State's rush to enact coastal law

MAYOR Brad Carter is baffled by the State Government's "rush" to implement new legislation for coastal management.

The Government approved the Queensland Coastal Plan last week and advised councils it would be implemented today.

Cr Carter said that provided only a week to understand the impacts and consult with the community.

The Queensland Coastal Plan addresses management of the coastline and planning for future urban development.

But Cr Cater said while he endorsed the environmental principles, it was odd that the legislation was introduced and implemented in an "extremely short" timeframe, and the impact that had on Rockhampton Regional Council was "unacceptable."

"We received no advance warning that this was likely to occur and that is a major concern to how we introduce new legislation into this State," he said.

"At this point in time our council has not been able to assess whether this new management plan has any hidden traps and whether it does reflect previous discussion papers we have had."

Member for Keppel Paul Hoolihan said councils had been working with the Government to plan the legislation for many years and the Local Government Association of Queensland, which also condemned the Government's "slap dash" approach, was consulted on the Coastal Plan and its needs.

He also said a consultation brief was in the public domain for some time. Mr Hoolihan said the Yeppoon foreshore site was still zoned as a reserve for a hospital and would need to be re-designated as a recreation reserve.

"The zoning will need to reflect the uses proposed by the council and to that degree, the coastal planning policy may have some impact."