Australia - Great Sandy NP - Commercial Whale Watching Opportunities

Description

The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI), through Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and Partnerships (QPWS&P), is calling for expressions of interest (EOI) for DES1242014 Great Sandy NP - Commercial Whale Watching Opportunities from individuals, partnerships or companies interested in undertaking whale watching on a commercial basis in Great Sandy Marine Park. QPWS&P is responsible for management of the Great Sandy Marine Park under the Marine Parks Act 2004. The commercial opportunity being offered is to showcase the values of Great Sandy Marine Park with a particular focus on the incredible natural phenomenon of the annual migration of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) through Hervey Bay. Applicants should be environmentally aware, sensitive to nature conservation outcomes, and have experience or ability in the management and promotion of ecotourism operations. The opportunity, and how to lodge an EOI, are detailed within the Expression of Interest – Guidelines for Submission – Commercial Whale Watching Great Sandy Marine Park document.
Please note that this EOI process is being run concurrently with an application process for those who currently hold a Commercial Activity Agreement (CAA) for commercial whale watching in Great Sandy Marine Park, as all current agreements expire on 1 December 2024. The Application Guide for Current Agreement Holders – Commercial Whale Watching Great Sandy Marine Park has been published alongside the Expression of Interest – Guidelines for Submission – Commercial Whale Watching Great Sandy Marine Park for transparency. Please ensure that if making a submission in response to the EOI, you respond to the criteria stated in Expression of Interest – Guidelines for Submission document.
Existing CAA holders for commercial whale watching in Great Sandy Marine Park are not required to make an application through QTenders. Instead, they will be contacted directly with instructions on how to make an application via DESI’s Online Services platform.

Opportunity closing date

08 May 2024

Value of contract

to be confirmed