Those who subscribed to the Queensland Environment to receive updates on the progress of the GSMP Review process should have received an email this morning confirming the New Zoning Plan will come into effect on Tuesday the 21st of May 2024 ����

The FCFA has spoken with the Qld Environment department today and can re-confirm that this is the case. We have also been told that there have been signs starting to go up around our boat ramps today also re-confirming this. We will be receiving more details in the next few days and will post/share additional details as they become available.

NOTE - The FINAL Zoning plan with all the way-points for the NEW zoning plan WILL NOT be available until the 21st of May 2024 - so DO NOT rely on the ones currently being shown �

This is the details from the email received this morning for those who were not registered:-

You are receiving this email as you have subscribed to receive updates about the progress of the Great Sandy Marine Park Zoning Plan from the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation. 

Legislative processes have now been completed and the new Great Sandy Marine Park Zoning Plan will commence from 21 May 2024.  

Key changes that will be included in the new zoning plan for the Great Sandy Marine Park include: 

• change in zoning to represent 12.8% of the area of the marine park in green zones contributing to a total of 28.6% of the marine park in highly protected zones (green and yellow zones) 

• removal of commercial large mesh gill nets and ring nets from the Conservation Park zones within Baffle Creek, Elliott River, Burrum River system, the Great Sandy Strait and Tin Can Inlet 

• measures to increase protection of threatened species, including shorebirds, turtles, dugongs and grey nurse sharks 

• measures to protect cultural and amenity values 

• zone changes to facilitate local government responses to increased coastal erosion from climate change impacts. 

Further information and updates about how these changes will apply across areas of the marine park will be available for park users in the coming weeks at www.qld.gov.au/greatsandymarinepark 

This will include links to maps to check zones and designated areas, as well as other important information to consider when entering and using the marine park. 

Thank you for your interest in the zoning plan and management of the Great Sandy Marine Park. 
Kind regards 
Department of Environment, Science and Innovation