Outcome:	1. Environment			Question No: 22
Division/Agency:	Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
Topic: 	Mackay Port Authority Dredging Program

Hansard Page ECITA:	57

Senator Wong asked:

I turn now to the Mackay Port Authority dredging program. What is the background to the Mackay Port Authority’s dredging program application and the decision by GBRMPA to refer it to the Department of the Environment and Heritage? Did you take any action in relation to the dredging program?

Answer/s:

The GBRMPA provided comment to the Department of the Environment and Heritage and the consultant for the Mackay Port Authority, WBM Oceanics Pty Ltd, on 30 April 2004.

Outcome:	1. Environment			Question No: 23
Sub-outcome:	Protection, wise use, understanding and enjoyment of the Great Barrier Reef
Output:  	
Division/Agency:	Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
Topic: 	Dredging of Mackay Harbour

Hansard Page ECITA:	57

Senator McLucas asked:

Has any member of the authority had any discussions with the member for Dawson regarding this issue?

Answer/s:

There is no record of any member of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority having any discussions with the Member for Dawson on matters relating to the Mackay Port Authority’s proposal to modify their dredging regime.

Outcome:	1. Environment			Question No: 24
Sub-outcome:	Protection, wise use, understanding and enjoyment of the Great Barrier Reef
Output:  	
Division/Agency:	Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
Topic: 	Dredging of Mackay Harbour

Hansard Page ECITA:	57

Senator Wong asked:

Ms Chadwick, in the course of providing advice to the department regarding this application, are you aware whether any member of GBRMPA was contacted by Mrs Kelly?

Answer/s:

There is no record of any member of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority having any discussions with the Member for Dawson (Mrs Kelly) on matters relating to the Mackay Port Authority’s proposal to modify their dredging regime.

Outcome:	1. Environment			Question No: 25
Division/Agency:	Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
Topic: 	Public Education Program of the Rezoning of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

Hansard Page ECITA:	58

Senator McLucas asked:

The public education component is quite significant, understandably. Could you give me an understanding of what is proposed for that and, because of time issues if there is a document that describes the public education program, I am happy to receive that rather than-

Answer/s:

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority has embarked upon a wide ranging program of public communication to ensure that all potential reef users understand the new zoning and have access to adequate information to allow them to comply with the new zoning. The program of communication includes:
•	Production and distribution of more than 500,000 full-colour maps depicting the new zoning;
•	Production and distribution of an accompanying interpretive booklet “An Introduction to Using Our Great Barrier Reef Marine Park”;
•	Production and distribution of CD ROM’s showing maps, zoning plan, interpretive material and associated planning publications;
•	Creation of a network of more than 200 Community Access Points (bait & tackle shops, marinas etc) to ensure ease of access to maps along the Great Barrier Reef coastline;
•	Newspaper advertisement advising of the location of Community Access Points along the Great Barrier Reef coast;
•	Distribution of maps and associated interpretive material to all registered commercial fishers along the Great Barrier Reef coast;
•	Distribution of maps and associated interpretive material to all Federal and State Members of Parliament along the Great Barrier Reef coast;
•	Distribution of maps and associated interpretive material to all persons and organisation who made submission to the zoning process;
•	Newspaper, television, magazine and radio advertisement advising the community of the commencement of new zoning on 1 July 2004;
•	Newspaper, television and magazine advertisement advising fishers of specific changes to zoning regulations;
•	Newspaper advertisements advising of upcoming Information Sessions in communities along the Great Barrier Reef coast;
•	Liaison with manufacturers of electronic navigation products to facilitate the depiction of the new marine park zoning on electronic navigation systems;
•	Publication of information sheets featuring information for specific user groups;
•	Ongoing liaison with Great Barrier Reef coast media to facilitate local coverage of the new zoning changes; 
•	Development of a new website including innovative interactive mapping tool to allow users access to all maps, interpretive information, information sheets and zone boundary descriptions;
•	Attendance at most major regional shows (including boat shows)
•	Briefing of a significant number of Great Barrier Reef coast councils about the implementation of the new zoning plan; 
•	Participation in Queensland Seafood Industry Association Port Briefings along the Great Barrier Reef coast; and
•	Engaging local communities through briefings to Local Marine Advisory Committees along the Great Barrier Reef coast.