Both plans were adopted by the Marine Park Authority in April this year after considerable consultation took place over the draft plans, released in 1997, with Queensland Department of Environment, stakeholders and the local communities.

Dr Ian McPhail, Chairperson of the Authority, says that although the Plans are now finalised they will not remain static.

'Amendments will be made to the plans as new information on user impacts is acquired. Both areas have outstanding nature conservation, cultural and heritage values that need to be afforded the highest protection.

'The consultation process and the subsequent plans have allowed the Authority to reduce or eliminate threats to the values of these areas while allowing for a range of activities, including the economically important tourism industry'.

Issues addressed by the plans include coral conservation, protection of breeding and migratory animals, Indigenous sites of significance and fisheries, tourism and recreation uses and impacts.

Impacts reported at many sites suggest that the levels of use are already approaching environmentally sustainable limits said Director of Planning Peter McGinnity.

'Michaelmas Cay is the most significant seabird nesting site in the Cairns area. Tighter restrictions have been put in place on all modes of transport and recreation activities due to disturbance of nesting seabirds that has lead to breeding failure,' Mr McGinnity said.

'Also, in the Whitsundays area, sites like Deloraine Island and Hill Inlet have been afforded a high level of protection due to their natural conservation values and Aboriginal stone fish-traps and rock art sites of national significance.

'We are working with stakeholder groups, such as the tourism industry, to develop accreditation, training and education programs and materials that promote best practices guidelines to ensure the protection of both these unique areas.'

Copies of the Whitsundays Plan of Management and the Cairns Area Plan of Management can be obtained from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority or the Queensland Department of Environment.