Marina plans in Tin Can Inlet pose a threat to our Rare Coastal Dolphins, Dugong and Marine Turtles
Help us to help them
Our marine environment
Why do they need our protection?
The Great Sandy Strait and Tin Can Inlet are home to the threatened dugong, 5 of the marine turtle species and the rare Indo Pacific humpback dolphin.
These species rely on coastal or marine estuarine environments and are under pressure for survival throughout the world, largely as a result of human related activity. Two proposed marina developments in the Tin Can Inlet could have devastating consequences for the local populations of these beautiful animals.
Migratory birds are also under threat with these developments either totally within or adjacent to Ramsar designated wetlands of international importance.
We urgently need your help to preserve this marine wilderness - 'Click and Save' here
What are the risks posed by marina developments?
- Boat strike is a major cause of death for dugong and turtles
- Disturbance to marine mammal behaviour through increased traffic
- Noise pollution is a problem for dolphins
- Direct harassment
- Marine debris can lead to entanglement, serious illness or death
- Destruction of critical habitat, seagrass beds and mangroves
- Potential impacts on water quality impacting on marine ecosystem
- Negative impacts on Ramsar wetland areas
Deterioration of habitat, such as sea grass and mangroves resulting from the construction process and ongoing dredging impacts on water quality, sedimentation. Dugong rely solely on the seagrass rhyzome for food. Seagrass is also a food source for Green turtles. But it is important that we recognise that all marine species are reliant on the health of the entire marine ecosystem. Mangrove destruction has a direct link to the reduction of fish stocks. Mangrove forests are the nursery for 80% of our fish. No mangroves = no fish
Why is this the wrong location for marina development?
As shown below Tin Can Inlet and the Great Sandy Strait are very narrow waterways which vary greatly in depth. At low tide boats and our marine wildlife will be forced into the same narrow channels. Dugong have been killed by simply having nowhere to dive and then crushed between the boat and the bottom.
The graphic comparison between the relatively open waterways of Moreton Bay and our region demonstrates clearly that marina development in this area is inappropriate.
Click image above to view enlarged version
Moreton Bay have recorded up to 200 deaths of Marine Turtles in a year from boat strike, marine debris and illness. Scientists believe the reduction in water quality associated with human proximity is a major contributing factor to sick turtles
Our Region
The Great Sandy Strait is the marine waterway separating World Heritage listed Fraser Island and the mainland. The southern end adjoins Tin Can Inlet with the townships of Tin Can Bay, Cooloola Cove and Rainbow Beach making up the Cooloola coastline.
The region is known for its natural beauty with beautiful beaches, pristine waterways and extensive wetlands. The region has national and international recognition for its high level of biodiversity which to date remains largely unspoiled.
The wetlands are protected under the International Ramsar convention as a vitally important migratory bird stopover. The highly productive marine ecosystem includes extensive seagrass meadows and mangrove forests which sustain a wide variety of marine life, including dugong, turtles, dolphins, fish molluscs and crustaceans.
The mangrove forests also support a wide range of birds, mammals and reptiles.
An application for World Heritage status is underway.
The UNESCO designation as The Great Sandy Biosphere already gives the region “...worldwide recognition of the outstanding natural beauty and high levels of biodiversity.” (BMRG 2009)
Proposed Marina Developments
Two marina developments are currently planned for the narrow waterways of Tin Can Inlet.
Fraser straits Marina
Proposed for Snapper Creek with 240 wet and 120 dry berths. A relatively narrow tidal creek bordered by Ramsar designated wetlands. Approved at the Local and State government level. Still requires approval at the Federal level under the EPBC legislation.
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Carlo Point Marina
257 wet berth proposal located at Carlo Point and totally within Ramsar designated wetlands. At low tide this area has only a narrow channel, requiring a significant dredging program which will be ongoing. Dredging can cause problems with water quality and as a result impact on mangroves and seagrass. This marina also requires Federal government approval under the EPBC criteria.
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Great Sandy Strait region
There is a further marina development proposal to extend the existing Urangan marina at the Northern end of the Great Sandy Strait. In total we are looking at an additional 847 wet and dry berths in the region.
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Marina's are designed to benefit a minority - keeping our environment safe for furture generations is for the majority
What are we seeking?
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Eliminate the immediate threat
The Hon Mr Tony Burke reject both marina applications based on the potential impacts on matters of National Envrionmental significance.
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Queenlsand Coastal Management Plan
Removal of Snapper Creek and Carlo Point from listed Marine Development areas in the final Coastal Management Plan. Designate Tin Can Inlet and The Great Sandy Strait as areas of High Ecological Significance
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Increase research
Increase research in this region to better understand the importance of the area to threatened species in relation to the cumulative threats they face on a national and global level
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Is there demand for this marina development?
Actual demand for marina berths and moorings in the region urgently requires further assessment. Planning for our region must take into account actual demand for boating facilities and cumulative environmental impacts.
Develop a plan for the future
A consultative process between the community and Federal, State and Local government to develop a sustainable model for the region. This should consider:
- Appropriate development
- Ongoing biodiversity
- Growth and economic health of the region
This region has much to offer already in terms of eco tourism activities. We believe this is the future