ACF branch supports marine park proposal

A Greens proposal for a new marine park, which would include an area adjacent Bouddi National Park has been supported by the Central Coast branch of the Australian Conservation Foundation.

ACF Central Coast president Mr Mark Ellis said: "This branch supports the proposal by the NSW Greens to implement a marine park from the north end of Bouddi National Park.

"We would, in fact, support the park being extended from the Munmorah State Recreation Park at the top of the Coast to connect to the southern end of the Royal National Park," Mr Ellis said.

"With previous pushes to mine the sea floor off the Coast and with the continued impact of recreational use on the Coast's beautiful beaches, intertidal and ocean areas, a Central Coast Marine Park would seek to protect our marine environment.

"It would fulfil the State objective to provide for the management of the marine estate of New South Wales consistent with the principles of ecologically sustainable development and promote a biologically diverse, healthy and productive marine estate, whilst facilitating sustainable and environmentally aware economic activities," Mr Ellis said.

Greens marine and fisheries spokesperson, Mr Justin Field, said the most effective form of protection for biodiversity and other challenges facing marine habitats would be the new Marine Park.

"Our precious Sydney Harbour and surrounding coastal areas, clean waters and coastal lifestyle are under growing pressure from pollution, climate change, stormwater and sewage runoff and other human impacts," Mr Field said.

"If the Environment Minister, Ms Gabrielle Upton, is serious about her commitment to 'breathe life into what is already a really healthy harbour' then she must urgently create a marine park," he said.

"Marine Parks and dedicated and fully protected Sanctuary Zones are essential to build resilience in our marine environment to respond to pressures and help ensure fish for the future," Mr Field said.

"Over a decade of scientific assessment shows these protected areas are effective.

"The NSW Government's own independent review of marine parks in 2011 recommended extending protections to the Sydney region."

SOURCES:

Media release, 22 Aug 2017

Jane Garcia, Office of Justin Field MP

Media statement, 31 Aug 2017

Mark Ellis, ACF Central Coast