Mayor Jenny Whitney said Council’s response supports a merit based approval process as
opposed to a one size fits all approach to capital dredge spoil in the Great Barrier Reef Marine
Park.

“Council is committed under its Corporate Plan, to promoting our natural environment as valued
and sustainable,” she said.

“A key strategy in achieving the Corporate Plan is to promote the conservation of environmental
assets including the Great Barrier Reef, beaches and wetlands.

“The Whitsundays is also a diverse region with many substantial opportunities which need to be
considered in a balanced and considered manner.

“As such, Council supports a merit based assessment of proposals for the disposal of capital
dredge spoil material in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park rather than pre-empting the beneficial and adverse impacts of all potential proposals in the future,” she said.