Sample MAGNETIC ISLAND FIELD TRIP PLAN Objectives We will be using this field trip to look at a wide range of interacting human use and environmental management issues. Think about the range of biophysical, social and economic impacts of tourism, recreation and leisure activities on the Island and how they may be affecting it now and in the future. One important focus will be the planning and management of the Magnetic Is. National Park which now constitutes around 70% of the Island (recently increased from 55% when Unallocated State Land was incorporated into the National Park in January 2012) and on the surrounding waters which are part of the Central Section of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (World Heritage Area) – as is the Island itself. We will consider the recreational opportunities (both natural and man-made) provided by each bay and the management agencies use of the Recreational Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) as a planning tool. We will familiarise you with many issues involved in the management of several other bays and you will become familiar with the revised GBRMP zoning of the bays (which followed the Representative Areas Program (RAP) and came into force in July 2004). Itinerary: 0730 Meet at the Breakwater Terminal 0745 Sunferries departs 0810 Arrive Nelly Bay. Brief inspection of facilities 0815 Chartered Bus leaves heading towards Picnic Bay 0820-0915 Discussion with distinguished, long-term Island resident and community leader, Lorna Hempstead (JCU Council Member & Assoc. Director of Engagement; President, Mag. Is. Community Development Association http://whatsonmagneticisland.com.au/community-groups/28-community-groups 0920-1000 Inspection of the interpretive facilities at the Nelly Bay Habitat Reserve 1005-1030 Inspection of Picnic Bay environment and infrastructure 1035-1100 Guided visit to QPWS Ranger Station at Picnic Bay 1115-1135 Brief external inspection Townsville City Council Horseshoe Bay Sewage Treatment Plant http://www.soe-townsville.org/ 1140-1210 Visit and site inspection of Bungalow Bay Koala Village (YHA, Backpacker Resort & Wildlife Park; meeting Head Receptionist Charlie; N.B. Manager for Brett & Janelle Fleming is Theresa: 4778 5577). http://www.bungalowbay.com.au/ 1215-1245 Meeting with Steve Rowland, Magnetic Island Sea Kayaks (Advanced Eco-Accredited and many other awards) http://www.seakayak.com.au/ 1245-1330 Inspection Horseshoe Bay environs and facilities including recent beachfront tourist development. Includes lunch on Horseshoe Bay Esplanade. This Bay is currently leading the People’s Choice of the 101 Best beaches in Australia http://101bestbeaches.com/peoples-choice 1335-1410 Inspection of Horseshoe Bay Lagoon Conservation Park (Bulkuru sedge, Paperbarks & Pandanus palms) 1415-1435 Forts Walk carpark, inspection of interpretation, short walk along track to lookout above Arthur Bay 1440-1455 Inspection of Alma Bay (Arcadian Surf Life Saving Club, TCC beachside park 1500-1520 Inspection of Arcadia Jetty (north end of Geoffrey Bay; old access point, interpretation & rock wallaby feeding issues). 1525-1530 Brief stop at new Gabul Way (Replas) boardwalk running between Geoffrey and Nelly Bays 1535-1555 Short tour of Peppers Blue on Blue resort (meeting with Manager Abraham Dow at reception: 4758 2400) and adjacent Marina. http://www.peppers.com.au/blue-on-blue 1600-1615 Examination of the Magnetic Quays/Nelly Bay Harbour site (ferry terminal) 1625 Ferry leaves for Townsville Breakwater. 1655 Arrive Townsville Bring: Hat, suncream, protective footwear (joggers/sand shoes) suitable for walking on National Park trails eg. The Forts walk above Florence Bay, along forest tracks, on the beach and possibly on inner reef flats. Safety issues: Potential hazards associated with this field trip (of which the sun is the most important) and how to avoid or minimise the risks associated with them.