“Some things became very clear at the Council workshop on the marine park last week. The marine park is going to go ahead, its social and economic benefits will depend on the zoning, and it is up to everyone to provide the information to ensure the best outcome.” This is the conclusion of Jenny Edwards of The Coastwatchers Association who was one of the speakers who spoke in favour of the marine park.

“Now is the time for people to have their say on what areas are important to them, ” Mrs Edwards said. “The Marine Park Authority’s questionnaires have maps so people can draw in the areas they use and say what they use them for. The activities listed are numerous, ranging from fishing to surfing with ample space for people to add others. One question is designed to highlight areas where activities might conflict. The last just asks for comments and gives everyone the opportunity to provide details about how certain zoning might affect them or the region’s environment.”

There will also be focus group meetings with the Marine Park Authority and open days so people can drop in and talk to staff. Some at the meeting last week wanted Council to run focus groups too. “These groups are fine,” says Mrs Edwards, “but returning the questionnaires is important too. It’s the best way to make sure that everyone is heard. How often have we heard the cry in the past about numerous issues ‘no one consulted me’. The deadline for returning the questionnaires is 26 March 2006.”

At the Council workshop presenters were often asked by Councillors to give them more guidance as to their wishes. “It will be very counterproductive if people waste the consultation period by continuing broad opposition to the marine park instead of focusing on getting zones and management that will produce the most benefits,” said Mrs Edwards. “For example, prawn trawling and many other types of commercial fishing are not allowed in Habitat Protection Zones in other NSW marine parks. Habitat Protection Zones make up by far the largest percentage of the parks at Solitary Islands and Jervis Bay. How much is this outcome due to the effective input of recreational fishers?”