The key policy objective of the Marine Parks (Great Sandy) Zoning Plan 2017 is to remake the existing Marine Parks (Great Sandy) Zoning Plan 2006 in substantially the same form with minor amendments to ensure the continuity of existing rules while a more comprehensive review process is being implemented. The Great Sandy Marine Park Zoning Plan plays a key role in the protection of the natural, cultural and use values of the marine park. The Zoning Plan is subordinate legislation to support the Marine Parks Act 2004 and prescribes the entry and use provisions of each zone and designated area type in the marine park and other management arrangements. Without the Zoning Plan in place, provisions relating to the following matters would not be able to be implemented creating an unacceptable risk: protection of threatened species such as grey nurse sharks, dugong, turtles and shorebirds; management of the entry and use of the marine park including coastal development, tourism, charter, research, and education programs; the number and type of species that can be collected and possessed; restrictions pertaining to activities such as bait netting, crabbing and fishing and collecting in certain zones and designated areas; accreditation of agreements with Traditional Owners on the use of marine resources; and protection of designated Indigenous fish trap areas. The policy objective is achieved by making this Zoning Plan 2017 in substantially the same form as the Marine Parks (Great Sandy) Zoning Plan 2006 with minor amendments before its scheduled expiry under the Statutory Instruments Act 1992 on 31 August 2017. Minor amendments have been included in the Marine Parks (Great Sandy) Zoning Plan 2017 to clarify some provisions and correct any errors in the Marine Parks (Great Sandy) Zoning Plan 2006 and make any necessary updates to reflect contemporary drafting standards. The plans showing the marine parks zones (plan MP2) and the designated areas (plan MP3) are not included in the Marine Parks (Great Sandy) Zoning Plan 2017 and instead being made available on the Department of National Parks, Sport and Racing website. This allows the official plans to be made available to stakeholders in a higher resolution, easier to read format, supporting enhanced useability and compliance. No changes have been made to zones or designated areas.
Australia · 2017-08-17