27/07/2005 - The proponents
of the Reef Cove Resort in far north Queensland
will have to adhere to strict conditions if
the development of the resort is to go ahead,
the Minister for the Environment and Heritage,
Senator Ian Campbell, said today.
Senator Campbell said following a comprehensive
assessment under the Environment Protection
and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC
Act), strict conditions would be imposed to
minimise the impact of the development on
the surrounding environment.
"The Reef Cove Resort development required
an assessment under federal environmental
law because the site is adjacent to two World
Heritage-listed places - the Great Barrier
Reef and the Wet Tropics of Queensland,"
Senator Campbell said.
The development, which has been approved
by the Queensland Government, is at False
Cape, 10 kilometres north-east of Cairns and
five kilometres north-west of the Yarrabah
Aboriginal Community.
"This area is habitat to a number of
threatened species including the Spectacled
Flying-fox, Greater Large-eared Horseshoe
Bat and Arenga Palm. Seagrass meadows and
corals grow in the seawater adjacent to the
site where Loggerhead and Green Turtles and
dugongs are known to graze."
"This area is sensitive so it is vital
proper management controls are put in place.
"Under the conditions set, the developer
must protect the plants and animals that live
around the site and replant any areas that
are cleared during the construction phase.
They must also develop and implement plans
to control erosion and sediment run-off.
"An educational booklet is also being
prepared by the developer about the area's
important natural environment.
"A conservation agreement between the
developer and myself has been developed to
mitigate the impact on threatened species
and to minimise the visual impact of the resort
on World Heritage values and includes measures
to ensure building height is limited to 11
metres, limits the clearance of native vegetation,
and provides for building design and colour
schemes to blend with the natural environment,"
he said.
The EPBC Act is the Australian Government's
key piece of environmental legislation. It
provides protection for matters of national
environmental significance, which includes
World Heritage properties. An action, such
as a development proposal, requires a decision
from the Minister if it has, or is likely
to have, a significant impact on a matter
of environmental significance.
