At a crucial time in the federal government’s marine planning process, a poll commissioned by the Queensland Conservation Council demonstrates strong support for a marine national park in Australia’s Coral Sea.

The Queensland poll, conducted by Newspoll during September and October, finds that nearly 7 in 10 Queenslanders polled (69 percent) say they are “in favour” of making the Coral Sea a marine national park, to protect it from commercial and recreational fishing and from drilling for oil or gas.

Almost 1 in 2 Queenslanders polled (45 percent) are “strongly in favour” of such a designation. Support for Coral Sea protection cuts across age groups, with 77 percent of those ages 18 to 34, 73 percent ages 35 to 49, and 61 percent who are 50-plus, in favour.

“Close to 55,000 people have already signed a petition to support the creation of a very large, world-class, highly-protected marine park in Australia’s Coral Sea”, said Toby Hutcheon, executive director of the Queensland Conservation Council. “The Newspoll result strongly backs up this support”.

It is anticipated that the federal government will release a draft Coral Sea plan for public consultation this month.

Imogen Zethoven, Coral Sea campaign director for the Pew Environment Group said it was crucual that the marine park be established.

“This poll finds a high level of support for the establishment of a marine park in the Coral Sea free from oil and gas extraction and all types of fishing.

"This designation will effectively protect the  spectacular coral reefs, amazing underwater volcanoes, and vital breeding sites for tuna, marlin, and many other majestic creatures that live in this region.”

The poll result was also embraced by Xanthe Rivett, Cairns and Regional Outreach Manager for the Protect Our Coral Sea campaign.

“The polling results reinforce what we hear at local community events in regional Queensland—that the majority of Queenslanders express a desire for a highly protected, very large marine park in the Coral Sea.”

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