South coast community invited to have their say on proposed marine park

O’Connor MHR Rick Wilson has launched a “yes” or “no” survey to gauge the south coast community’s sentiment on the controversial South Coast Marine Park. The proposed park spans 1100km of southern WA coastline from east of Bremer Bay to the South Australian border, covering more than 1.3 million hectares of water. The proposed map under consultation would see 25 per cent of the park locked away in “look but don’t take” zones which would bar commercial and recreational fishing. Mr Wilson accused the State Government of not providing clear information on its plan for the marine park. “My Federal electorate encompasses the entire 1000-plus-kilometre coastline where Labor and its WA Greens mates wish to lock up large areas in a ban on commercial and recreational fishing,” he said. “To date, the State has pumped out a load of gobbledygook to the people of Esperance, Ravensthorpe and surrounding areas with regard to its plans. “That’s why I’m conducting a survey — in plain English.” Mr Wilson’s survey asks participants whether they support the marine park in its current form and provides space for further comments. “I will use the results of my survey to argue in Federal Parliament, and alongside my Liberal WA colleagues, for a far better deal for recreational and commercial fishers and the south coast community at large,” he said. On Sunday, about 1000 Esperance residents gathered outside the town’s council buildings in protest of the marine park. Mr Wilson said members of the public including commercial and recreational fishers say they have not been properly consulted. “This community angst has been reflected by the Shire of Esperance, which has criticised the State’s consultation as being full of government-speak, and slammed the scant socioeconomic work that has been done,” he said. “The shire says the general public has been expected to digest about 300 management plans without on-ground expert advice from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.” After mounting community pressure, the department announced last month marine park planners, marine scientists and community engagement officers would help answer questions and dispel “myths” about the marine park at a dedicated information station. Mr Wilson’s survey can be completed at https://d5ahu1ahh97.typeform.com/marinepark.