Labor’s costly marine parks come into effect today

The beginning of the Weatherill Labor Government’s marine parks sanctuary zones will cause significant regional job losses and damage the South Australian fishing industry.

The beginning of the Weatherill Labor Government’s marine parks sanctuary zones will cause significant regional job losses and damage the South Australian fishing industry.

“Today is a dark day for the many coastal communities that will see their livelihood decimated as a result of be denied access to their traditional fishing areas,” said Shadow Environment Minister Michelle Lensink.

“The Weatherill Labor Government’s marine park zones have been widely condemned by the fishing industry, recreational fishers and regional communities.

“Regional Development and Local Government Minister Geoff Brock needs to explain to the people of South Australia precisely why he broke his electoral pledge to protect the fishing communities in the his electorate of Frome.

“In Parliament last month, “independent” Member for Frome and the Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Geoff Brock, turned his back on regional South Australians by voting against the State Liberals’ Marine Parks Bill.

“The last thing South Australian regions need are more job losses, which is what will happen following the introduction of these marine parks.

“Marine parks must be well-designed to be effective and this includes undertaking proper environmental mapping and baseline studies – this did not take place in SA.

“The State Liberals understand the adverse effects that will be felt by regional communities following the implementation of these marine parks – Geoff Brock and the Weatherill Labor Government do not.

“Unlike the Weatherill Labor Government, the State Liberals will continue listening to the concerns of South Australians and will continue to stand up and fight for our regions.”

The State Liberals’ Marine Parks Bill sought to change the current boundaries of the Weatherill Labor Government’s marine park sanctuary zones and had already passed Parliament’s Legislative Council with crossbench support.