Media Release 14 July 2006 - Batemans Draft Zoning Plan On Display
NSW Environment Minister Bob Debus and Primary Industries Minister Ian Macdonald today released the draft zoning plan for the Batemans Marine Park on the South Coast.
The 85,000 hectare multiple-use marine park was formally gazetted by the NSW Government on 7 April 2006.
Mr Debus said the draft plan is a significant step towards ensuring the efficient management and longer term protection of the marine environment on the South Coast.
“This is part of a long term plan for the region given the Far South Coast’s population is expected to increase by up to 55 per cent over the next 25 years,” he said.
“The Government, unlike the Opposition, remains intent on protecting coastal environments to the benefit of residents and visitors.”
Mr Macdonald said fishers would have guaranteed access to a large area of the park under the draft zoning plan.
And most of the waters off Montague Island will continue to be available for recreational fishing.
“The plan provides for continued access by communities to areas containing a wide range of fishing opportunities that includes fishing from beaches, off rocky headlands, reefs and estuaries,” Mr Macdonald said.
“The plan currently proposes that 19 per cent of the park be recognised as a sanctuary zone where nothing can be removed.
“Anglers will also benefit from Habitat Protection Zones where trawling and netting is not permitted.
“People can generally continue to do what they’ve always done within the sanctuary zones except commercial and recreational fishing.”
Mr Debus said release of the draft zoning plan follows more than 40 stakeholder consultation meetings this year and work carried out by the Marine Parks Authority and Community Advisory Committee.
“This plan has been developed after considerable discussion with numerous stakeholder groups and individuals,” Mr Debus said.
“It’s a good starting point for further discussions over the next three months during which the Government will work with the community and the Batemans Marine Park Advisory Committee to further refine the plan.
The draft zoning plan will be on exhibition until 15 October 2006.
The plan will then be reviewed by the Marine Park Advisory committee and the State Marine Park Advisory Council before final adoption by the State Government.
Media Contact: Chris Ward (for Minister Debus) 9228 3071 or 0418 424 654
Jason Bartlett (for Minister Macdonald) 9228 3344 or 0403 454 543