❓ Mr. Rundle questions the transparency of the South Coast Marine Park consultation process, particularly regarding the release of the socio-economic impact assessment. The Minister defends the consultation process as thorough and inclusive, highlighting engagement with various stakeholders.
AnsweredQoN 134Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
SOUTH COAST MARINE PARK — CONSULTATION
134. Mr P.J. RUNDLE to the Minister for Environment:
I
refer to the proposed south coast marine park and the McGowan government's
refusal to release critical information , such as the socio-economic
impact assessment, during the public consultation process. Does the community
not deserve complete transparency on the details underpinning this proposal,
given that two years ago the government claimed that this project hinged on
genuine engagement?
134. Mr P.J. RUNDLE to the Minister for Environment:
I
refer to the proposed south coast marine park and the McGowan government's
refusal to release critical information , such as the socio-economic
impact assessment, during the public consultation process. Does the community
not deserve complete transparency on the details underpinning this proposal,
given that two years ago the government claimed that this project hinged on
genuine engagement?
AnswerView source ↗
Thank you for the question, member.
I want to remark that this is the first question from the opposition to the environment minister in well over a year, so thank
you for finally recognising the environment. It is yet to be revealed how long before members opposite discover climate change and ask me a question
on that issue as well!
We conduct a thorough and very
inclusive process whenever we look at expanding or introducing national parks
or marine parks. There is a process underway. It is a process that has occurred
before in Western Australia. There is consultation with all community groups
through the community reference committee. There is consultation with industry
bodies. In fact, I know that Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
officials have been reaching out to commercial fishers and recreational
fishers. Commercial fishers obviously have an interest in terms of their livelihood. We appreciate the
significance of that and we want to work with those companies. We have sought one-on-one meetings. As a government, we have gone out of our way through the
DBCA to have one-on-one meetings. In fact,
having that information from the fishing companies and professional fishers
helps inform the s hape of the sanctuary areas and the areas that we need
to keep open for the extraction of fishing. It is a very consultative process.
It is a very open process. I think, Minister for Fisheries, there is a meeting
coming up very soon. In terms of the next step, indicative maps have been provided.
That is a process that is now happening.
To
suggest that somehow there is a secretiveness or a lack of inclusivity in the
process is just a ridiculous assumption. This government goes out of its
way to consult and include all sectors of the community, including
environmental interests and members of the public. It is an established process
that has been very successful. We believe we are achieving a wonderful thing. The creation of this new marine park will
see well over a million hectares of the marine environment protected for
future Western Australians. It will also mean that areas will be available for
recreational fishing and commercial fishing.
Importantly, there will be areas that traditional owners will be able to
practise cultural activities on. This is crucial. It is all about
including the community together and getting the right result. Member, this is
significant. This is going to be around for the future. It is transformational.
It is a good thing to do. I would like to see the opposition support our
efforts in what is an inclusive process.
I want to remark that this is the first question from the opposition to the environment minister in well over a year, so thank
you for finally recognising the environment. It is yet to be revealed how long before members opposite discover climate change and ask me a question
on that issue as well!
We conduct a thorough and very
inclusive process whenever we look at expanding or introducing national parks
or marine parks. There is a process underway. It is a process that has occurred
before in Western Australia. There is consultation with all community groups
through the community reference committee. There is consultation with industry
bodies. In fact, I know that Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
officials have been reaching out to commercial fishers and recreational
fishers. Commercial fishers obviously have an interest in terms of their livelihood. We appreciate the
significance of that and we want to work with those companies. We have sought one-on-one meetings. As a government, we have gone out of our way through the
DBCA to have one-on-one meetings. In fact,
having that information from the fishing companies and professional fishers
helps inform the s hape of the sanctuary areas and the areas that we need
to keep open for the extraction of fishing. It is a very consultative process.
It is a very open process. I think, Minister for Fisheries, there is a meeting
coming up very soon. In terms of the next step, indicative maps have been provided.
That is a process that is now happening.
To
suggest that somehow there is a secretiveness or a lack of inclusivity in the
process is just a ridiculous assumption. This government goes out of its
way to consult and include all sectors of the community, including
environmental interests and members of the public. It is an established process
that has been very successful. We believe we are achieving a wonderful thing. The creation of this new marine park will
see well over a million hectares of the marine environment protected for
future Western Australians. It will also mean that areas will be available for
recreational fishing and commercial fishing.
Importantly, there will be areas that traditional owners will be able to
practise cultural activities on. This is crucial. It is all about
including the community together and getting the right result. Member, this is
significant. This is going to be around for the future. It is transformational.
It is a good thing to do. I would like to see the opposition support our
efforts in what is an inclusive process.
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