Coastal communities called to action

30 July 2009

MACKAY Regional Council is calling for residents to have their say on the new draft beach management plans for Shoal Point, Bucasia and Blacks Beach.

These plans, which are among 20 to be devised over the next year, provide a clear and responsible direction for the future management of coastal land.

Parks and Natural Environment portfolio councilor Karen May encouraged residents to read the beach management plans and offer feedback on them.

These documents have been created to facilitate community engagement and allow residents to take an active approach in looking after their beaches by offering input into the management of them, she said.

The plans identify the natural assets, issues and on-ground activities required at each site to protect these coastal environments well into the future.

We believe the best approach to planning, protecting and managing our valuable coastal environments is a collaborative one.

The draft beach plans developed by council and Reef Catchments are based on councils recently adopted Coastal Management Guidelines (CMG).

The Coastal Project, which incorporates the development of the CMG and individual beach management plans, was made possible courtesy of councils Natural Environment Levy and State and Federal Government funding.

The beach management plans will be available on councils website (www.mackay.qld.gov.au) or in hard copy at Mackay Regional Councils libraries from Monday, August 3.  Copies will also be available upon request at any of councils customer service centres by calling 1300 MACKAY (1300 622 529).

Council and Reef Catchments invite residents to express their views on the beach management plans over barbecues on Saturday, August 15 at the following locations:

-          Shoal Point Park, from 9am to 11 am

-          Seaview Park, Bucasia, from 11.30am to 1.30pm

-          Blacks Beach Park, from 2pm to 4pm

Those unable to attend can complete the survey on councils website or surveys are available at the libraries and customer service centres (post to Mackay Regional Council, PO Box 41, Mackay, Qld, 4740).

Cr May said following the community engagement process, the plans would be finalised and implemented subject to available funding.

We will offer community members the opportunity to become involved in any on-ground environmental preservation activities to be implemented at these beaches, she said.

For further assistance/comment:

Parks and Natural Environment portfolio councillor Karen May 0419 669 134

Corporate communications officer Penne Kaddatz 4961 9446