PrintTime running out to stop Marine lock-outs
There is one last chance to halt the unnecessary lock-up of great swathes of Northern Territory waters with the final 60-day consultation period for a national network of marine parks now open, Country Liberals Senator for the Northern Territory Nigel Scullion said.
Senator Scullion said during the consultation the federal government must hear loud and clear that the Territory does not want does want its fishing and tourism industry wiped out by imposing a widespread marine park in NT waters.
“Tony Burke and Labor continue to be led by the Greens in this process, ignoring calls for any future marine parks to be based on peer-reviewed science and turning stakeholder consultations into a farce,” Senator Scullion said.
“There is no need for a Northern Marine Park - NT waters are the most pristine and cared for waters that already have lots of protection.
“One hundred per cent of our waters are protected under a variety of acts such as the Northern Territory marine Act, the Fisheries Act, the Maritime Safety Act as well as acts on gas and oil mining in northern maritime waters.
“The Coalition is urging Northern Territory commercial and recreational fishing sectors and tourism to make the most of this consultation period and tell the Government that they do not want great swathes of the Territory’s productive and sustainably managed waters locked up,” Senator Scullion said.
“Everyone who opposes this lock-out should sign the Marine Parks – Don’t lock us out petition which will be tabled in Federal Parliament.
“We only have until August 10 to sign the petition and get the message across.
“We must stand up against those who would destroy a critical aspect of the way of life of Territorians that is fishing sustainably as a recreation or as a business,” Senator Scullion said.
For more information or copies of the petition contact:
Senator the Hon Nigel Scullion
1/229 McMillans Road Jingili NT 0812
Ph: 08 8948 3555 Fax: 08 8948 3544
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