11/03/2005 - The Minister
for the Environment and Heritage, Senator
Ian Campbell, today announced further initiatives
to improve community involvement in decision-making
along the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef
coast.
The new initiatives include:
Additional community representatives on the
Great Barrier Reef Consultative Committee;
Opening new regional offices of the Great
Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA)
in coastal centres; and
Improvements to the management structure of
GBRMPA.
Senator Campbell has already established the
Bundaberg/Burnett Local Marine Advisory Committee,
which, when combined with the new initiatives
create an increased capacity for consultation
with the community, including commercial and
recreational fishing interests.
The announcement of the new initiatives came
as the independent Futureye Report was released
today.
"A recent review of GBRMPA consultation
activities showed that some sectors of the
community felt disenfranchised and disillusioned
by the rezoning consultation process and we
need to make sure everyone's concerns are
heard," Senator Campbell said.
"The Futureye Report noted many strengths
but there is always room for improvement,
particularly developing practical, local solutions
to the challenges facing the Great Barrier
Reef coastal communities.
"One proposal is to locate GBRMPA offices
in regional centres along the coast to enhance
local involvement in decision making and to
ensure everyone gets the chance to have their
views heard.
"An internal realignment of GBRMPA's
staff will also enable staff to better understand
social and economic consequences. A new focus
on staff training and development, including
community engagement and consultation skills
for staff, is already underway.
"As has been previously announced, the
Government is conducting a review of the Authority's
legislation and governance.
"By implementing this regional response
we want to build on local knowledge, to offer
the best possible management of this wonderful
world-renowned Australian icon," Senator
Campbell said.
