Fixes Proposed For Marine Park

Newcastle Herald

Monday July 31, 2006

By JACQUI JONES Port Stephens Reporter

PORT Stephens Council staff have suggested changes to the proposed Port Stephens Great Lakes Marine Park that would allow shore and jetty fishing at Little Beach, and oyster farming at Cromarty Bay, to continue.

Concerns about potentially adverse social and economic effects of some aspects of the State Government's Port Stephens Great Lakes marine park have been raised in a Port Stephens Council report to be tabled tomorrow night.

Council staff have prepared a submission to the NSW Marine Parks Authority, which is inviting feedback on its draft zoning plan until September 23.

Councillors will be asked tomorrow whether to adopt the submission.

The report said the proposed sanctuary zone for Cromarty Bay, next to oyster farming businesses, could be problematic.

"This zoning will make it problematic for these businesses to continue and/or expand their existing operations,"it said.

The report said zoning should be adjusted to allow the existing commercial/industrial uses to continue, with "expansion capacity where appropriate".

The report said the proposed sanctuary zone at Little Beach will prevent recreational fishing that has occurred in the area for many years with little effect on the aquatic reserve.

A specific purpose or habitat protection zone should instead be established close to the shoreline to allow existing beach and jetty fishing to continue.

The report also raised concern that there may be some economic effects associated with changes to both recreational and commercial fishing.

It recognised there may be positives in the plan too.

"The marine park and its zoning plan should result in an overall positive environmental impact, particularly in relation to the marine environment of Port Stephens."

Tourism could be increased in some areas due to the marine park, the report said.

The council and Marine Parks Authority are now working on a memorandum of understanding to help clarify issues around development applications in the vicinity of the marine park.

The council submission follows suggestions on Friday from lobby group EcoFishers that the marine park planning process be frozen until the legislation governing it is reviewed.

PARK ZONE DEFINITIONS

Sanctuary: Highest level of protection. Activities harming plants, animals, natural or cultural features not allowed.

Habitat Protection: Certain activities restricted. Most forms of fishing will be allowed in these zones as well as oyster farming.

General Use - provides for a wide range of uses including commercial and recreational activities including fishing.

Special Purpose - to manage places requiring special arrangements including cultural and heritage issues.

Source: Port Stephens Council

© 2006 Newcastle Herald

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