Letter of opposition to the proposed Fraser Straits Marina at Tin Can Bay
Please copy and paste into an email & send to:
Attn:
Tony Burke MP
Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities
email:Tony.Burke.MP@aph.gov.au
Dear Minister,
Re: Proposed Fraser Straits Marina - Response to Public Comment period EPBC Referral 2008/4633
I/We are writing to lodge a formal objection to the proposed Fraser Straits Marina. My/Our primary objections
revolve around the negative environmental, social and economic impacts this marina is likely to have on the
township of Tin Can Bay and the waterways of Snapper Creek, Tin Can Inlet and the Great Sandy Strait.
Community Concerns
- Negative impacts on the natural beauty and amenity of Snapper Creek, including restricting environmentally
friendly community group activities such as Dragon Boating, Sailability and Junior Sailing.
- Public safety concerns with small power boats having to launch from a boat ramp surrounded by the marina
fingers with low visibility.
- Public safety concerns from large vessels negotiating the narrow channel, particularly during strong winds
(which are common).
- The proponent is expecting ratepayers to absorb the costs of increased infrastructure necessitated by their
development.
The dolphin feeding is Tin Can Bay's biggest tourism drawcard benefiting many businesses. This drawcard will
almost certainly be lost from the region as a direct result of the marina:
- The marina is going to be built over the current location of the feeding
- The dolphins are highly likely to leave the area as soon as dredging commences and may not return,
particularly to the marina area where the feeding takes place.
People do not take detours to visit marinas, but they do to see dolphins in the wild!
Environmental Concerns
- Potential impacts on water quality and therefore habitat as a result of dredging, increased sedimentation
and pollution.
- Ramsar Wetlands border both ends of the marina. Overflow of dredged material will impact on these
wetlands and the listed migratory shorebirds that rely on them.
- Dugong and turtles are highly susceptible to boat strike. An increase of large powerful vessels in these
narrow waterways dramatically increases the risk of death.
- Turtles are very frequently seen in Snapper Creek and will be placed at direct risk. Dugong are also observed
in Snapper Creek.
- Indo Pacific humpback dolphins, dugong, turtles and shorebirds will all be impacted by the marina as a result
of potential loss of habitat, through increased boat traffic, pollution and direct harassment.
The community do not want or need this development and the irreversible damage it will cause to this
sensitive estuarine environment is unacceptable. We urge the Minister to reject the proposal and preserve
this beautiful region for future generations to enjoy.
Yours sincerely,
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