Coalition protects fishing industry and environment

July 27, 2010

The recent visit to the North Coast by Shadow Environment Minister Greg Hunt has seen feedback from fishers and tourism representatives incorporated into the Coalition’s policy on marine parks in Commonwealth waters.

Federal MP Luke Hartsuyker today welcomed the Coalition’s announcement that they would take immediate action to protect Australian fishing communities and the marine environment.  Opposition Leader Tony Abbott announced the policy today.

“This policy addresses many of the concerns raised by the community during Greg Hunt’s visit to the North Coast,” Mr Hartsuyker said. “A Coalition Government will immediately suspend the marine bioregional planning process.

“We will establish sensible and balanced marine park boundaries and management plans in consultation with industry. The Marine Protected Areas will be based on science with all evidence of threats to marine biodiversity made available to all stakeholders in a fair and balanced consultation process. The Coalition supports a balanced approach to marine conservation. We will balance environmental and cultural preservation with the needs of fishing industries and local communities.”

Mr Hartsuyker said fishermen should be concerned about what Labor has in store for the future of commercial and recreational fishing and the future of coastal communities.

“Labor has signalled that they want to shut down the fishing industry by failing to rule out large no-take zones within Marine Protected Areas. Labor’s dithering and lack of consultation will put at risk hundreds of jobs and disadvantage local communities that are reliant on commercial and recreational fishing. The only way to stop Labor closing down coastal communities is to change the Government,” Mr Hartsuyker said.