06/05/2005 - The Minister
for the Environment and Heritage, Senator
Ian Campbell, today announced four new regional
Queensland offices for the Great Barrier Reef
Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) and the appointment
of eight additional staff.
"Part of the Government's election commitment
last year was to review the activities of
the GBRMPA and to ensure the concerns of regional
communities concerns were clearly heard. This
initiative will be an important step in this
process," Senator Campbell said.
Three officers will be based in Cairns with
one specifically focusing on Cape York issues,
while the other two will focus on the coastal
communities from Cooktown to Mission Beach.
One additional officer will be based in Townsville
to service the needs of the Hinchinbrook to
the Burdekin region. Two Mackay-based officers
will address the needs of the Bowen to St
Lawrence region and two officers in Rockhampton
will liaise with communities from Marlborough
to Bundaberg.
Senator Campbell said the appointment of
these eight extra staff in the region would
support the award-winning scientific and policy
expertise already based in the Townsville
office.
"These permanent positions will build
on the good work of the GBRMPA's Local Marine
Advisory Committees and will seek to engage
coastal communities in further discussion
about the stewardship of the Great Barrier
Reef for the benefit of those relying on the
marine park for employment and leisure activities,"
he said.
"The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
means many different things to various communities
in the region and having regional liaison
officers strategically positioned along the
Reef's 2000 kilometre coastline helps to ensure
we understand the needs and wants of these
communities.
"As I noted in the release of the Futureye
Report in March this year, this review of
GBRMPA consultation activities showed some
sectors of the community felt disenfranchised
and disillusioned by the rezoning consultation
process.
"The Report noted many strengths but
there is always room for improvement, particularly
developing practical, local solutions to the
challenges facing the Great Barrier Reef coastal
communities.
"Implementing this regional response
allows us to build on local knowledge, to
offer the best possible management of this
wonderful world-renowned Australian icon,"
Senator Campbell said.
