Wanted: Submissions On Cape Byron Marine Park

September 18 , 2003

The NSW Marine Parks Authority today reminded community members to have their say on preferred options for zoning and managing the Cape Byron Marine Park.

MPA Director, Steve Dunn, said the Authority was keen to ensure the full range of opinion on options for the park was canvassed during the six-week community consultation period.

“The deadline for submissions on the Cape Byron Marine Park Issues and Options discussion paper is next Friday, September 26, 2003.

“The Marine Parks Authority is seeking as much feedback as possible.

“It’s not a matter of people saying yes or no to any of the options presented in the paper.

“We would like people to express their personal views – and they should feel free to put up their own zoning options.”

Mr Dunn said that, like the State’s other marine parks, Cape Byron would be a truly multiple-use park that conserves marine biodiversity and marine habitats while allowing a broad range of commercial and recreational activities.

“There is scope for tailoring zonings within the park to ensure the best outcomes for both the community and the environment.

Cape Byron Marine Park covers 22,000 hectares from the Brunswick River in the north to Lennox Head, 40 kilometres south.

“This area has world famous beaches, marine life and coastal habitats, and the NSW Government wants to ensure it is protected permanently for future generations.”

Mr Dunn said that once submissions on the Issues and Options discussion paper were received and analysed, the Marine Parks Authority would prepare draft marine park zoning and operational plans.

“The draft zoning plan will then be presented for community comment for three months.

“Only after thorough consideration of public submissions and comments will final decisions on zonings be taken.”

Further information and copies of the Cape Byron Marine Park Issues and Options discussion paper are available from the marine park’s community centre in Middleton Street, Byron Bay, and from the MPA website (www.mpa.nsw.gov.au).

Media contact: Eric Aubert (02) 8437 4948 or 0419 185 375.

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