The Member for Burnett will not let the environment minister off the hook over the missing Great Sandy Marine Park (GSMP) zoning plan that’s now two years overdue.
Burnett MP Stephen Bennett took to the floor of parliament to demand a date for the public release of the plan that has left Baffle Creek businesses and industry in limbo since January 2019.
“This delay is a complete slap in the face to Baffle Creek and Winfield residents,” he said.
“It’s been two and a half years since the GSMP survey sparked serious alarm and concern over the future of recreational and commercial fishing in the Baffle.
“I’m appalled by the delay and it’s time for the Palaszczuk Government to come clean.”
The question within the survey stated, ‘Should parts of Baffle Creek be included in a marine national park zone to support the long-term health and resilience of this system?’
Currently Baffle Creek is designated as Great Sandy area, which means that legal, commercial and recreational fishing activities that occurred prior to the declaration of the Great Sandy Marine Park can continue.
Mr Bennett asked a Question on Notice to Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon yesterday:
With the community of Baffle Creek waiting for two and half years for an outcome of the review, can the Minister provide a date for the public release of the Great Sandy Marine Park zoning plan?
Mr Bennett said the Labor Government’s silence was a disrespectful and disdainful snub.
“Despite huge community uproar, the State Labor Government refused to listen,” he said.
“Despite constant calls for common sense and answers in the media and in parliament, the State Labor Government refused to listen.
“Despite almost 4000 people signing a petition to see the question removed from the survey, the State Labor Government refused to listen.
“We have had enough of the secrecy, the excuses and political games.”
The minister has 30 calendar days to respond to the Question on Notice.
ENDS.
01/12/21