20/05/2005 - Minister
for the Environment and Heritage, Senator
Ian Campbell today announced approval of the
proposed Radical Bay tourist resort on Magnetic
Island following a comprehensive assessment
under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).
Senator Campbell said the decision was made
after careful consideration and his approval
was subject to a number of conditions designed
to protect the world heritage values of the
adjacent Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
"One of the most important conditions
is that the design and construction of the
resort must aesthetically complement its surroundings
by blending into Magnetic Island's unique
environment," Senator Campbell said.
"I've also directed that no work can
begin until the resort is connected to the
island's new sewerage treatment plant.
"In addition, the developers, Juniper
Property Holdings, must ensure the building
site does not cause erosion or sediment run
off that could be harmful to nearby dugong
and turtle foraging and nesting sites.
"Under the conditions of my approval
the developers are also required to investigate
whether there are any acid sulphate soils
in all areas where there is a potential for
disturbance. Special care will need to be
taken if the soils are found."
The resort proposal was assessed under the
EPBC Act because of any potential effects
it might have on the world heritage values
of the Great Barrier Reef.
"I understand there are community concerns
about the development, however, it is my view
that if the developers comply with the approval
conditions, the resort will not have an adverse
affect on the Reef," Senator Campbell
said.
The EPBC Act is the Australian Government's
key piece of environmental legislation. It
provides protection for matters of national
environmental significance, which includes
World Heritage properties. An action, such
as a development proposal, requires approval
from the Environment Minister if it has, will
have, or is likely to have a significant impact
on a matter of environmental significance.
