LABOR has promised to reinstall plans for a Commonwealth Marine Park if it wins power in July’s election.
In a statement released today, the opposition said a Shorten Labor Government will restore its original management plans in order to “protect our precious marine life”.
The Coalition Government under Tony Abbott stalled plans for the controversial Commonwealth Marine Park after taking office in 2013, pending a review.
Labor said its network of marine parks will help protect Australia’s diverse marine environment and the life it supports.
While Labor said the Marine Park management plans were designed to have minimal impact on industry and recreational fishing, the Shorten Labor Government has commited to a $100 million Fisheries Adjustment Package to “assist those fishers impacted by the Commonwealth Marine Reserves”.
While Labor has promised compensation for commercial fishers, there has been little mention of the potential damage to the rec fishing community.
More to follow.
