Brisbane 8 May 2013. Visitors and locals can continue to enjoy the remarkable tourism opportunity of feeding wild dolphins in Tin Can Bay through a new agreement with the Newman Government today.

Environment and Heritage Protection Minister Andrew Powell said dolphins have been fed at the Tin Can Bay inlet for 30 years.

“This activity has become an important regional tourism drawcard,” Mr Powell said.

“Some of the dolphins that participate in the feeding program have been coming to the Tin Can Bay inlet for many years and know the inlet well with an understanding of watercraft and human interaction.”

The agreement with Barnacles Café which allows the dolphin feeding to continue includes a number of conditions to ensure dolphin feeding is conducted in a responsible way.

“The Government will be working with the Tin Can Bay community to ensure a successful feeding program,” Mr Powell said.

Member for Gympie David Gibson said the agreement was a win for local businesses in Tin Can Bay.

“Under Labor, dolphin feeding was always under threat and indeed we saw them attempt to stop it on several occasions,” Mr Gibson said.

“The announcement today gives long term security for an important aspect of Tin Can Bay tourism whilst also ensuring the appropriate environmental safeguards.”

Mr Powell reminded locals and tourists that dolphin feeding could only occur as part of the approved feeding program with Barnacles Café.

“The Newman Government recognises that this is a great boost for tourism across the Cooloola Coast and the wider Gympie area and we are proud to continue our support of this activity,” Mr Powell said.

“I encourage Queenslanders looking for an unforgettable wildlife experience to visit Tin Can Bay.”