Summary of comments: Whitsundays Plan of Management review, May 2017

Abstract

[Extract] Tourism and recreational use in the Whitsunday Planning Area (the Planning Area) continually evolves and new information becomes available. It is a requirement of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 (the Act), under section 39ZE, to invite the public to make comments in connection with a plan of management. The period of formal public consultation for the amendments to the Plan was conducted from 6 March 2017 to 7 April 2017. During this time, tropical cyclone Debbie impacted the Whitsundays region. When requested, an extension to 28 April 2017 was given to those affected. During public consultation, the Authority met with Traditional Owners, permission holders, government agencies, industry, conservation groups, and the Authority’s Advisory Committees. This document outlines the consultation methodology and the results of public feedback.