Solitary Islands Marine Park - Zoning plan review 2008-09
Proposed changes to the zoning plan for Solitary Islands Marine Park are now available for comment at the Draft Zoning Plan webpage.
The proposed changes are based on the review of the zoning plan for Solitary Islands Marine Park.
Review report
- Executive summary - Solitary Islands Marine Park zoning plan review report
6Mb - Executive summary - Appendix 2: Summary of consultation and submissions 324Kb
- Full report - Solitary Islands Marine Park zoning plan review report 1.8Mb
- Full report - Appendix 2: Summary of consultation and submissions 744Kb
The review report and a summary of consultation and submissions were provided to the Solitary Islands Marine Park Advisory Committee for comment. The review report, summary of consultation and submissions, and comments from the advisory committee, were then provided by the Marine Parks Authority to the Minister for Climate Change and the Environment and the Minister for Primary Industries for consideration.
Outcomes of the review
The review found that the zoning plan for Solitary Islands Marine Park is generally appropriate for meeting the objects of the Marine Parks Act 1997. It also identified opportunities to fine-tune and improve the effectiveness of the zoning plan, based on new information that has become available since the zoning plan commenced in 2002, including the information provided during the review consultation period.
On 19 April 2010, Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, Frank Sartor and Minister for Primary Industries, Steve Whan announced the next stage of the Solitary Islands Marine Park Zoning Plan review.
"The Government plans to improve the management of existing marine parks rather than establish new ones," Mr Sartor said.
Media Release - NSW Government Takes Community Advice on Solitary Islands Marine Park.
Background - the Review process
The current zoning plan for Solitary Islands Marine Park commenced in 2002 and has been reviewed in accordance with the Marine Parks Act 1997.
The review determined whether the plan remained appropriate for meeting the objects of the Marine Parks Act which are to conserve biodiversity, and provide opportunities for ecologically sustainable use, public appreciation, enjoyment and understanding of marine parks.
A set of 14 criteria, based on the national and state criteria for zoning marine protected areas, were used to assess the zoning plan.
Research and monitoring has continued to provide new information on the marine park. Projects have investigated its biodiversity, habitats and ecosystems, as well as ways in which it is used by the local community and visitors. The research has allowed more detailed maps of the marine park to be developed, including maps of subtidal reefs and estuarine vegetation.
New information shows that most marine and estuarine habitats in the marine park are represented in sanctuary zones, although only 1.5% of the total mapped area of offshore intermediate reefs (25 to 60 metres), 0% of deep reefs (deeper than 60 metres) and 0% of deep soft-sediment habitats (deeper than 60 metres) is included in sanctuary zones.
The following information package was available during the review:
- a guide to the Review of the Solitary Islands Marine Park zoning plan 530 Kb
- an updated habitat map 1 Mb
- a summary of the natural values of the marine park 45 kb
- a summary of the social, economic and cultural uses of the marine park 700 kb
- a summary of research and monitoring in the marine park 200 Kb
- a summary of management of the marine park 43 Kb
- frequently asked questions 40 Kb
- A review of benefits of Marine Protected
Areas and related zoning considerations 88 kb
- Scientific Literature on Marine Protected Areas 85 kb
Submissions
A total of 1,079 submissions were received from a wide range of interest groups, 1,039 from individuals and 40 on behalf of organisations.
A summary of consultation and submissions is available in Appendix 2 of the review report (see above).
Thank you for your submissions and involvement in the review.
Consultation
Initial consultation on the review occurred between March and June 2008. During the review, 47 formal meetings were held with individuals and stakeholder groups, including community information days, presentations to local community groups and focus group meetings.
Community information days were held in Coffs Harbour, Wooli, Yamba, Grafton and Emerald Beach with over 280 community members attending.
The Solitary Islands Marine Park Advisory Committee provided advice throughout the zoning plan review process.
Further information
If you require further information please contact the Environment Line on 1300 361 967.
