Residents of the Capricorn and Curtis coast regions are being urged to participate in a discussion regarding water quality as the Newman Government delivers on its commitment to have a Gladstone Healthy Harbour Report Card in place by the end of the year.
Queensland’s Environment and Heritage Protection Minister Andrew Powell has released new water quality standards for public consultation for all fresh, estuarine and coastal waters of the Capricorn and Curtis Coasts regions.
“ While Labor had to be dragged kicking and screaming into any sort of action on Gladstone Harbour, the Newman Government established the Gladstone Healthy Harbour Partnership to deliver open, honest and accountable management, ” Mr Powell said.
“ In stark contrast to Labor, we have a plan for the Gladstone Harbour and the release of water quality standards for the Port Curtis Region is an important step .
“ It’s yet another example of the Newman Government’s commitment to investing $35 million a year towards a range of reef water quality initiatives and supports our commitment to the Gladstone Healthy Harbour Partnership. ”
Mr Powell said the Partnership, formally launched in November last year, was now working towards the release of a pilot report card by the end of the year which covers environmental, cultural, social and economic indicators about the health of Gladstone Harbour.
“ Significant community consultation has already taken place in the development of the draft environmental values and questions and comments on water quality issues ,” he said.
“ The standards are based on national guidelines, but refined for local conditions, taking into account local data .”
The area covered extends from the Styx River Basin south to the Boyne River Basin. It includes Broadsound, Shoalwater Bay, Keppel Bay, lower Fitzroy estuary, The Narrows, Curtis Island, Gladstone Harbour and adjacent coastal waters.
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Press Release, April 7, 2014