Superyacht access a boost to Whitsunday economy

AUGUST 2, 2017: THE introduction of more superyacht anchorages in the Whitsundays, to take effect from today, is a welcome step on an issue I have lobbied for extensively over the past two years.I was very pleased to hear the announcement from Federal Minister for the Environment Josh Frydenberg that amendments to the Whitsundays Plan of Management have been finalised, opening the way for 21 new superyacht anchorages in this world-class tourist destination.I have met with superyacht industry representatives on numerous occasions in the past two years and discussed the case for change with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) as well as the current and former Environment Ministers.One superyacht spending a week in port has the potential to inject $50,000 into the local economy and support a number of small businesses. When we see places like Noumea hosting 200 visits a year of a week or more each, we can appreciate the potential for the Whitsundays.A superyacht carries less people and they have less impact on the marine park than other vessels which already operate in reef waters.This announcement now paves the way for more exciting tourism opportunities and a healthy boost to the Whitsunday economy for years to come.Twenty-one new superyacht anchorages will be established at carefully selected locations with no corals or other sensitive habitats, providing further tourism opportunities and still protecting the area’s core values.The changes are formalised through updates by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to the Whitsundays Plan of Management — an area-specific plan that manages use in this highly visited region, in addition to the protections provided through Reef-wide zoning.Most changes will take effect from today (2 August 2017) and will be implemented in stages over the next 12 months. There are no changes to zoning in the area.For further information, including a map that details the locations of the new superyacht anchorages, visit http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au