Thousands of signatures have seen the State Labor Government commit to further consultation with Baffle Creek groups and stakeholders following fears that parts of the creek could become a Green Zone.
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said a response to the petition, that saw almost four thousand people get behind it, has been tabled.*
Mr Bennett said he’s also received a letter from the Minister for Environment Leanne Enoch that promises further consultation.
“We’ve been promised that the department will meet with community groups to discuss their views and feedback from the region,” he said.
“We’ve also been promised that all stakeholders will be able to speak up on the Draft Zoning Plan.
“It goes without saying that we are closely watching this space to see that residents, businesses and groups within Baffle Creek are truly consulted when the draft plan is released.
The petition called for a question within the Great Sandy Marine Park Zoning Review survey to be removed. The question being, ‘should parts of Baffle Creek be included in a marine national park zone to support the long-term health and resilience of this system?’
In response the petition Minister Enoch has stated:
The associated online survey has closed, and therefore removing the question about Baffle Creek will have no effect…. Written submissions received for Baffle Creek have raised concerns about the socio-economic impacts to the local community if large areas of the Baffle Creek system were to be rezoned to a Marine National Park (green) Zone. Responses to the online survey and written submissions yielded a mix of support and opposition to the establishment of a green zone.
Burnett MP Stephen Bennett said the current zoning has successfully maintained the pristine nature of the waterway and its reputation as one of the best fishing areas in the region.
“We know what we have here is very special and that’s why the community already goes to great lengths to protect our environment,” he said.
“All we’re asking for is a fair say in the process, so please keep your promise Minister and hear us out.”
* Response from the Minister for Environment Leanne Enoch: https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/tableOffice/TabledPapers/2019/5619T579.pdf
30.04.19