Rarely has a piece of new legislation caused as much discussion, anxiety – even anger, as did the introduction by the current Labor Government of the Marine Park Sanctuary (no take) Zones.
Hundreds of people from across the State spent countless hours throughout the consultation process contributing their time and ideas with the very reasonable expectation that they would be listened to and valued. In the end – the Government went ahead and did exactly as it wanted to.
The result was that significant areas of valuable fishing bottom were taken out of production – with no scientific assessment whatsoever of the supposed threats that a well managed fishery posed to these zones. The final Sanctuary Zone arrangements were based on a philosophical bent – one that was entirely at odds with the idea of a sustainably productive landscape, supporting regional communities and contributing to the South Australian economy.
The seafood sector is a major economic driver in this State, and is particularly important on Eyre Peninsula and the West Coast. State-wide, more than 6,000 people are directly employed in the sector, along with the resultant trickle-down effect. Recreational fishing is equally important in providing keen fishers and their families, and charter boat operators, with the opportunity to enjoy our coastal waters.
Should we be elected in March, our Liberal government will: Develop a Seafood Industry Food Plan; Simplify compliance for commercial fishers; and, review the Marine Park management plans and zone classifications within the State’s 19 marine parks.
We do recognise the importance of Marine Parks, but will take a sensible approach to their management. One that protects regional communities, exports, jobs AND the marine environment. It is possible to achieve all these things.