AMA- Labor's Marine Parks must go to the people before implementation

by Dean Logan AMA on 5 Feb 2013 The Australian Marine Alliance (AMA) today urged, in the strongest possible terms, that the Gillard Government’s marine park debacle must now go to the people on September 14 for a vote prior to full and final implementation.

Dean Logan, AMA CEO argued, 'Make absolutely no mistake, the AMA has not wavered from its original position. We refused to cut back room deals on a policy that is and continues to be inherently flawed and that delivers far less for the environment than should be achieved.

'Under the Howard Government this entire process was seamless and fully supported by communities, recreational and commercial fisherman and allied industry sectors. We supported the Marine Bio-Regional Planning Process (MBPP) then and the implementation strategy adopted.

'However, under Minister Tony Burke the MBPP has been an unmitigated disaster costing thousands of jobs and destroying businesses and small communities for what has now been proven to be a negligible environmental benefit.

'SEWPaC has failed to articulate scientifically the threats fishing poses to the marine environment and therefore clarify action proportional to the threat, as required.

'Local communities and key industry sectors were not consulted, SEWPaC breached a raft of their own principles and guidelines and the science underpinning key decisions is non-existent.

'If Minister Burke, SEWPaC and their environmental NGO friends are so confident that they have conducted themselves professionally and that the community and industry support their position, then do what’s right and take the largest marine reserve network in the world to the Australian people for a decision,' said Mr Logan.

More at www.australianmarinealliance.com.au