TEN new public mooring sites are now available at four locations off Cairns – Fitzroy Island, Sudbury Cay, Vlasoff Cay and Green Island – and boaties are invited to have a say on locations for the next 90 public moorings as well as new reef protection markers (RPMs).

Environment Minister Dr Steven Miles said the 10 new moorings, installed by a local contractor, were the first stage of a $2.375 million project that would extend the public mooring and reef protection program along the Reef, enhancing visitor experiences and opportunities.

“As announced in the State Budget, the Queensland Government is expanding the public mooring and reef protection program in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area over the next three years,” Dr Miles said.

“This project – Improving Tourism and Recreation Use of the Great Barrier Reef – is part of the Government’s $180 million Significant Regional Infrastructure Projects Program (SRIPP).”

Dr Miles said the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) was using the project funds to build on the existing network of 123 public moorings and 144 RPMs.

“About 100 new public moorings and 150 RPMs will be installed at popular anchorage spots within the Whitsundays, Cairns, Capricorn Coast and Townsville regions,” he said.

“The project supports the environment and the economy, and delivers on our Government’s commitments within the Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan by ensuring protection and sustainable access to the most popular reef and island destination”.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure Jackie Trad said the $180 million SRIPP was a cornerstone initiative of the Government’s State Infrastructure Plan, designed to bring forward key economic and social infrastructure projects in regional centres to unlock jobs and increase business confidence.

“Investment in infrastructure is essential for healthy regional economies. Through the SRIPP, the Palaszczuk Government is prioritising projects that deliver jobs, and improve productivity and liveability,” Ms Trad said.

Some of the new moorings to be installed under the $2.375 million project would be added in Keppel Bay and the Whitsundays in 2016/17; Capricorn Cays to Mackay in 2017/18 and Townsville to Lizard Island in 2018/19.

Member for Barron River Craig Crawford said public mooring infrastructure provided safe and sustainable access to the marine park.

“This infrastructure reduces anchoring impacts on corals, improves boating safety and reduces visitor congestion,” he said.
QPWS is talking directly to local stakeholder groups and is encouraging broader feedback using an online survey www.getinvolved.qld.gov.au/gi/consultation/3410/view.html

More information on the State Infrastructure Plan see the website.