Consulation
Marine parks belong to the entire community. Consultation therefore assists us in reaching the most informed decisions on how to balance conservation needs in marine parks with existing commercial and recreational use. We listen to special advisory bodies and ensure that there are many avenues for people to contribute to discussion and decision-making.
Advice from a state-level council and local committees
Marine Parks Advisory Council
The council is a top-level, appointed body that advises the Minister for Climate Change, Environment and Water, the Minister for Primary Industries and the Marine Parks Authority on proposals for new marine parks, park use and conservation of biodiversity.
The council members represent a number of stakeholders, including:
- recreational fishers
- commercial fishers
- marine conservation groups
- Indigenous communities
- the tourism industry
- scuba divers
- marine science
Local advisory committees
Each marine park has an advisory committee. Committee members, who represent a range of stakeholder interests, advise on day-to-day management matters.
We advertise for expressions of interest in joining advisory committees and select those best qualified through interview. Appointment is for up to three years.
How individuals and groups can be involved
There are many ways in which you can be involved in shaping the future of NSW marine parks:
- keep up to date by reading the material that the Authority distributes via this website and in hard copy through councils, community and sporting groups, and our own offices
- participate in the community-based discussions prior to final selection of a new marine park site
- complete the community and visitor questionnaire we distribute to assist in preparing the draft zoning plan for each new marine park
- send us your comments on the resulting draft zoning plan, which is widely distributed
- speak out and ask questions at the community meetings we hold regarding zoning plan development and other issues
- send in your comments on the draft operational plan for a new marine park
- participate in the surveys we conduct on marine park use
- make a submission when the zoning plan comes up for review
- put yourself forward for appointment to an advisory committee when we advertise for new members.