The QLD government is spending 1 million dollars on a private reef development to exploit tourism opportunities at Lady Musgrave Island on the southern tip of the world heritage protected site.

The plan is to build a floating hotel in the form of a 36x12 meter pontoon anchored inside the reef to accommodate up to 24 people. 

The issue is the reef surrounding Lady Musgrave Island has taken damage from existing tourism, storms, climate change, run off and dredging with substantial areas giving way to  plant growth (not corals) and some coral bleaching.

Construction and further tourist traffic will greatly increase the risk of destruction.

The minster says the partnership is expected to support 6 jobs when operational, but at what long term cost?

The developer says its not a hotel, its a eco-pontoon and they are building it for research purposes as well, though we wonder how much research will be done with visitors charged $550 per night for accommodation?

This government subsidized exploitation of the reef would not have proceeded under the prior published guidelines (attached) that prohibit any floating hotel on Lady Musgrave.

We have serious questions about a policy change that goes from:

- Prohibition (at this location)

- Strenuous approvals process (anywhere in the marine park)

- Any upfront cash bond? (Bond typically required)

To become a tourism bargging right, including 1 million cash bonus by the current government. 

Would you like to know how this got the green light? So do we. The consultation papers have all been taken down from the park website, and no one is willing to hand over a copy without an FOI.

Please sign this petition to support this wildlife sanctuary for future generations and consider making your views know to Kate Jones MP (minister for tourism), the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and QLD Parliament Petition

http://www.katejones.com.au/contact 

http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/about-us/contact-us

https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-assembly/petitions/forms-and-guidelines

Please consider offering your support to Gladstone Conservation Council who are also championing this issue http://gladstoneconservationcouncil.com.au/web/make-a-donation/

http://gladstoneconservationcouncil.com.au/web/floating-hotel/