The Nature Coast Marine Group held a public meeting at Broulee this week, which was attended by a number of recreational fishers and divers, some of whom have recently voiced concern about the establishment of the Batemans Marine Park.
A spokesman for the NCMG, Andrew Green, said that discussions at the meeting were frank and vigorous, but remained cordial.
“Much common ground was established between the rec fishers and NCMG members,” he said.
“It’s clear that we all want more fish, though perhaps for different reasons. What is also clear is that there is an amazing lack of information out there about how processes to establish the marine park work, and how the park will affect local communities.”
Mr Green said that one of the NCMG’s objectives is to help provide information on marine conservation issues, but really the government should be doing much more.
“The Marine Parks Authority needs to become much more proactive with providing this information – right now!” he said.
“People who attended our meeting expect to see a visible MPA presence locally; information sheets; frequent media updates; maybe even a regular column in the papers.”
“One lady from Tuross said that she is often asked for information on the marine park by other locals who don’t necessarily have internet access. But she’s got nothing to give them – no brochures or handouts.”
The meeting unanimously passed a motion calling on NCMG to write to the ministers concerned, asking them to improve the information flow about the park, and advise the acting manager that educating and communicating with the public on marine park issues was a vital part of his role.
The meeting also discussed and approved the proposed sinking of HMAS Canberra in the park, to facilitate dive tourism and possibly recreational fishing.
“NCMG supports this proposal,” Mr Green said. “We all agreed that the feasibility of this project should be thoroughly investigated, and that the site should be at the southern end of the park, to assist Narooma (and Bermagui) tourist operators who may be most affected by the park’s gazettal”.
A third motion passed means that the NCMG will also be formally asking those responsible for marketing tourism in the Eurobodalla to integrate local diving in their marketing campaigns, given an apparent decline in numbers of visiting divers.
The meeting closed after two hours of robust debate, where NCMG members and visitors alike were given the opportunity to express their opinions.
“Basically, we’ve built some bridges with other key stakeholders,” Mr Green said.
“All the motions were passed unanimously, supported by NCMG members and our guests,” he said.
“The best way forward with this marine park is for all parties to talk through the issues and work together,” he said.
Mr Green also said he hoped that when the NCMG had finalised its structure and could accept new members, that some of the visitors would join the group.