Remake and review of the Zoning Plan for the Moreton Bay Marine Park
The Queensland Government has remade the zoning plan for the Moreton Bay Marine Park. The Marine Parks (Moreton Bay) Zoning Plan 2019 is subordinate legislation to the Marine Parks Act 2004 and replaces the previous Marine Parks (Moreton Bay) Zoning Plan 2008.
The commencement of the remade zoning plan completes phase 1 of the remake and review process, and allows existing marine park management arrangements to continue as we proceed to phase 2.
An overview of the process is outlined below:
Phase 1
Zoning plan remake
- Administrative renewal of current zoning plan
- Public notice
- Legislative drafting
- Commencement of remade zoning plan – 1 September 2019 - this is where we are in the process
Phase 2
To commence following finalisation of the Great Sandy Marine Park Zoning Plan Review.
Information gathering (stage 1)
- Gathering updated information on marine park values
Discussion Paper (stage 2)
- Discussion Paper prepared, released and submissions analysed
Draft revised zoning plan (stage 3)
- Draft zoning plan prepared, released and submissions analysed
Final revised zoning plan (stage 4)
- Legislative drafting
- Revised zoning plan takes effect
Phase 1 involved the statutory remake and renewal of the zoning plan in its current form, without notable amendment, to ensure it did not expire and the conservation and use values of the Moreton Bay Marine Park were not placed at risk. No changes have been made to zones, designated areas or entry and use requirements. Administrative changes have been made to improve clarity and to reflect contemporary legislative drafting standards. The completion of this stage ensures the continuation of the existing management arrangements for the marine park while Stage 2 review of the zoning plan is undertaken.
Phase 2 will commence after finalisation of the Great Sandy Marine Park Zoning Plan review. This phase will involve public consultation, with the release of a Discussion Paper seeking input on the future directions and management of the marine park, including zoning; designated areas; values; and use. Feedback from the Discussion Paper will help determine what amendments are needed in the zoning plan to support the long-term conservation and use of the marine park. Any proposed amendments will be subject to further public input.
The renewal process will result in an updated zoning plan that will support management of the marine park for a further 10 years based on available science and community input.
For more information email marine.policy@des.qld.gov.au.
Read more about the Moreton Bay Marine Park.