Coalition's Marine Park policy - Press Release

[Scott nthQld]

JOINT PRESS RELEASE
THE HON. TONY ABBOTT MHR, LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION
THE HON. JOHN COBB MHR, SHADOW MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE, FOOD SECURITY, FISHERIES AND FORESTRY,
THE HON. GREG HUNT MHR, SHADOW MINISTER FOR CLIMATE ACTION, ENVIRONMENT AND HERITAGE,
SENATOR THE HON. RICHARD COLEBECK, SHADOW PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY FOR AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FORESTRY
REAL ACTION TO PROTECT OUR MARINE ENVIRONMENTS AND FISHING COMMUNITIES
A Coalition government will take immediate action to ensure that future Marine Protected Areas balance environmental preservation with economic growth and strong coastal communities.
The Coalition supports a balanced approach to marine conservation and will immediately put on hold the Marine Bioregional Planning process. We will then restructure this process, in consultation with the community and industry, within the first year of government.
When previously in government, the Coalition began the process of establishing Marine Protected Areas around Australia's coastline. Marine Protected Areas are intended to protect and maintain biologically and culturally significant marine areas.
Since its election, the Rudd-Gillard Government has not adopted a balanced approach to Marine Protected Areas, nor has it engaged in appropriate consultation with the community and the fishing industry.
This has led to unnecessary anxiety and uncertainty in the fishing industry. Many communities will face enormous economic losses unless there is proper and effective consultation on future Marine Protected Areas, particularly in relation to fishing practices in these Areas.
The Coalition will also require future decisions on Marine Protected Areas to consider peer reviewed scientific evidence of threats to marine biodiversity and for this evidence to be made available to all stakeholders, including affected communities and industries.
In establishing Marine Protected Areas, the Coalition will consult closely with those people and industries who use the marine environment, including the recreational and commercial fishing sectors, to determine Marine Protected Area management plans in accordance with relevant legislation and other regulatory frameworks.
The Coalition will take the action necessary to make decisions on Marine Protected Areas fair, considered and balance environmental and cultural preservation and also considers the needs of fishing industries and coastal communities.
27 July 2010

I just recieved the above in an email from Sen R. Colbeck's office. Also attached was a pdf file of the actual policy, I haven't read through it yet, but from the press release above, at face value it looks pretty good compared to what the Labor Govt is proffering. Stakeholder consultations, peer reviewed scientific proof, balancing conservation and economics....things that should have been included from day dot, and things that most of us have been asking for, not anecdotal, biased emotional based "science".

If any one wants a copy of the policy document (2mb pdf file) send me a pm, but you'll probably be able to find it on their webiste anyways

[cormorant]

Live press conference on abc 24 now with announcement. Not sure if you can replay archives.

ABC 24 is the only place all the live announcements are . Hope they do transcripts???

[smclaren]

Tony Abbott has my vote !

[ShaneC]

Hooray for common sense!!!!! This MAY force a change of hearts from the 'other' side, I think this has just gained Mr Abbot a few more voters. They say a 3% swing will see the ranga out, and the fishing fraternity and their families may just be a significant part of that. If he lost any votes because of this, it would be very few I feel as they wouldnt have voted for him anyway......

[mangomick]

GREAT.................But isnt this the same party that wasnt going to bring in a GST and also told us we would be better off under Work Choices.

[Steeler]

GREAT.................But isnt this the same party that wasnt going to bring in a GST and also told us we would be better off under Work Choices.

Nah,Not never ever

[smclaren]

GREAT.................But isnt this the same party that wasnt going to bring in a GST and also told us we would be better off under Work Choices.

Yep .. but it's not the party that promised Fuel Watch, Grocery Watch, Fixing up the Murray etc etc ....

[ShaneC]

John Howard based his campaign on the GST, and it was voted in, so that argument is pretty baseless.... He didnt get voted in then introduce it like Anna. I know thats a state govt thing but they are the same party.

As a smart man once said "You cant polish a shit, but you can roll it in glitter that will eventually fall off".

Go Tony!!!!

[Steeler]

John Howard based his campaign on the GST, and it was voted in, so that argument is pretty baseless.... He didnt get voted in then introduce it like Anna. I know thats a state govt thing but they are the same party.

As a smart man once said "You cant polish a shit, but you can roll it in glitter that will eventually fall off".

Go Tony!!!!

Think you have your John's confused.Hewson went into an election on it and lost it.John Howard was the one who said it was "never ever "going to be on the federal liberal party's agenda again.

Now what part of that cake does GST apply to.

Sorry Scott i can see its starting to get a little off your intended purpose.

[ShaneC]

The party won the election with every plan to introduce the GST then Beasley tried to block it even though it was voted in.. it was a second term agenda by the Coalition that was widely known by voters to be introduced should they be successful.....

BUT... I am happy to let this rest and concentrate on the real issue here, the latest statement from the Coalition is nothing but positive for the people of Australia who enjoy to wet a line.

[nigelr]

Hear hear Shane, Abbot wont get my vote, but the Nationals will.
Very good commentary by Warren Truss on the Nationals' homepage about this issue.
Same result in the end, ironically enough..................
Cheers.

[mangomick]

.. it was a second term agenda by the Coalition that was widely known by voters to be introduced should they be successful.....

It was a what??? and widely known by who.........You've got to be joking

I think Steelers recolection is more factual.

Bottom line is forget all the rhetoric. It's election time and if you believe any of the spin from any of the candidates Labor or liberal you need your heads read. Oh all except for shane Cs train line thats got to be a definate goer. err someday

[Blueroo]

The Nat/Libs have my vote. Here here for common sense.

I'm well and truly sick of Labor, both state and federal, making secret back door deals with the Greens and making politically based decisions in relation to the environment.

stue

[ShaneC]

haha yeah.... the train line that I remember was to be built within two years when I started commuting from Strathpine to the Peninsula for high school in 1991....

I am happy to forget the rhetoric and look at reality. Labor is apparently the "working man's" party, realistically and historically, they look after the working man better when they are the opposition..... until they get in power.

I am going to leave this one here, as an ex AJ and a very staunch John Howard supporter I feel my views are biased and perhaps a little emoted.

My vote is sealed though, I am going for the party that does not have a green agenda to allow me to continue with the pastime that I love

[mangomick]

Good for you Blueroo and you too Shane C. It's good to see so many young liberals from Redcliffe enjoying fishing.