Port Stephens-Great Lakes and Batemans Marine - Consultation and Management
Consultation
Since the declaration of Port Stephens–Great Lakes Marine Park there has been extensive consultation with the local community, commercial and recreational fishers, tourism operators, conservation groups and the general public.
The draft zoning plan for the Marine Park was on public exhibition from 8 May to 23 September 2006. 43,000 draft zoning plans were distributed and 75 stakeholder meetings and information sessions held during this time. 4,399 submissions were received from a wide range of interest groups and are summarised in the Summary of Submissions report 
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Like all other marine parks, the Port Stephens–Great Lakes Marine Park has an advisory committee made up of representatives of various local community and stakeholder groups.
Members were appointed in January 2006 following a call for expressions of interest in committee membership.
Port Stephens–Great Lakes Marine Park Advisory Committee
| Name | Representing |
|---|---|
Dr David Booth |
marine science |
Jim Booth |
charter fishing |
John Clarke |
recreational fishing |
Anna Dawson |
conservation |
Darrel Dawson |
conservation |
Graham Duffy |
recreational fishing |
Ross Fidden |
commercial fishing |
Max Frost |
recreational fishing |
Frank Future |
tourism |
Max Haste |
Manager, Port Stephens–Great Lakes Marine Park |
Karen Hutchison |
local government |
Jacqui Keats |
conservation |
Bernie King |
commercial fishing |
Mick Leon |
Indigenous people |
Leo Lukin |
commercial fishing |
Bev Manton |
Indigenous people |
Mark McElhone |
spearfishing |
Dr Luciana Moller |
marine science |
Chris Norman |
scuba diving |
Christian Patteson |
conservation |
Bob Westbury |
local government |
Paul Winn |
conservation |
Wider consultation
The Marine Parks Authority holds local public meetings on important issues relating to Port Stephens –Great Lakes Marine Park and conducts public surveys from time to time. Both are widely advertised.
In 2007 the Authority will be preparing an operational plan for the marine park. Public notices will advise how, when and in what form members of the public can contribute to this process.
Members of the public are welcome to contact the marine park office.
Management
The zoning plan
The Marine Parks Authority finalised a zoning plan for the park after extensive community consultation and input from the Port Stephens–Great Lakes Marine Park Advisory Committee. The zoning plan, which commenced on 21 April 2007, establishes:
- sanctuary zones - 17.6 % of the total park area. These zones provide the highest level of protection by allowing only activities that do not harm plants, animals or habitats. Sanctuary zones allow for guided tours, boating, surfing, snorkelling and diving.
- habitat protection zones - 34.4% of the total park area. These zones protect habitat by reducing high impact activities while allowing recreational fishing, some types of commercial fishing, tourist activities and fishing competitions. A special habitat protection zone east of Broughton Island allows for seasonal trolling for surface fish.
- general use zones - 47.75% of the total park area. These zones provide for a wide range of activities including both commercial and recreational fishing.
- special purpose zones - 0.25% of the total park area. These zones provide for the management of specific areas or activities such as aquaculture, marinas and research facilities.
The operational plan
In 2007 the Authority will prepare an operational plan covering the operations we will undertake or permit in Port Stephens–Great Lakes Marine Park to fulfil the objectives of the Marine Parks Act 1997. The public will have the opportunity to comment on a draft operational plan before the final plan is adopted.