Irwin: Act now or lose Bay

WILDLIFE campaigner Bob Irwin has stepped up his campaign against the Norman Point marina, as the deadline looms for a federal decision on the proposal.

Mr Irwin, founder of Australia Zoo and father of the late Steve Irwin, says Australians have only a limited opportunity to make their feelings known before a decision is made by federal Environment Minister Tony Bourke some time after the end of the month.

“The Tin Can Bay region is unique – one of the last outstanding and diverse ecosystems on the east coast of Australia,” he said yesterday.

“It is home to a plethora of precious wildlife including endangered dugongs and sea turtles and rare humpback dolphins.”

Mr Irwin also expressed his concern about a second marina proposal at Carlo Point.

“They will severely damage the region and its critically important inhabitants.

“Should development be sanctioned, it will put at risk a World Heritage listing, which is currently pending for the Cooloola region.”

Supporters said Mr Irwin is continuing his son’s legacy as the major high profile champion of conservation in the region.

“I will fight as long and as hard as necessary to save this magnificent area from development.

“This is no longer a local issue – this is the habitat of species that are threatened all over the world and we need to make a stand and save some critical habitat for them.”

He urged Australians to take advantage of a “click and save” campaign, using internet technology to help people voice their views.

“It takes three seconds to send a letter directly to Mr Bourke, asking him to reject the plans,” the supporter said.

“To date, 35,000 votes have been collected online.

Mr Irwin said there were now many government reports recognising that Australia’s biodiversity is declining.

“The Fraser Straits Marina (at Norman Point) will bring 240 wet and 120 dry berths, while the nearby Carlo Point Marina will bring an additional 257 wet berths to these narrow waterways,” he said, adding to stress on wildlife.