9th Feb 2010
Marine Parks in Question?
The momentum against the dranconian seems to be continually on the increase as Duncan Gay raises in his recent press release
WHERE IS THE SCIENCE IN THE NATIONAL PARKS ASSOCIATION’S CALL TO INCREASE MARINE SANCTUARIES BY 300%?
‘This year we will be trying to protect the River red Gums, to save the Travelling Stock Route network and to increase NSW marine sanctuaries by 300%’
National Parks Association website - www.npansw.org.au/website/
The Keneally Labor Government needs to rule out plans by the National Parks Association to increase marine sanctuaries by 300% this year, Shadow Minister for Primary Industries Duncan Gay said today.
“NSW Coastal communities will suffer if State Labor indulges the National Parks Association’s (NPA) in its goal to increase NSW marine sanctuaries by 300%,” said Mr Gay.
“The NSW Liberals & Nationals strongly believe that the creation of any future marine parks or marine sanctuaries need to be based on proper scientific research and community consultation.
“For too long this State Labor Government has tried to hoodwink the public into thinking our marine environments are properly protected by the zoning plans in the current marine parks.
“State Labor has taken the easy way out and focused only on restricting fishing.
“Instead the Government needs to address the real threats to our coastline, which include pollution, introduced species and disease, some agricultural substances and inappropriate coastal development.”
Mr Gay said over the last three years State Labor, through the Marine Parks Authority, had spent more than $33 million of taxpayers money on marine parks but failed to show the public any cost – effective benefits.
“If it was truly serious about protecting our marine life the Keneally Labor Government would commit to doing the proper scientific research on all of NSW’s marine environments,” said Mr Gay.
“Before the last election, and in order to gain Greens preferences, Labor drew lines on a map to create the marine sanctuaries we currently have.”
Mr Gay said the Government had also continuously refused to release review reports into the effectiveness of the zoning plans within the Jervis Bay and Solitary Islands Marine Parks, despite being liable under legislation to do so.
“The findings of these reviews were due to be released by the then Primary Industry Minister Ian Macdonald and former Environment Minister Carmel Tebbutt on September 17 last year, eight months on and still no word,” said Mr Gay.
“This is simply unacceptable and the NSW Liberals & Nationals will ensure State Labor is held to account on this issue. Unlike this State Labor Government, the NSW Liberals & Nationals will be fair and honest with the NSW public.” |
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