Marine Parks

I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries a question on the subject of marine parks.

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: On 19 November last year, there was a joint announcement by the Premier and the environment minister that the government was imposing a moratorium on the marine park management plans. Mr Caica is attributed with having said:

The commercial fishing sector have also asked the government to closely consider the relationship between commonwealth marine reserves and state marine parks.

Given that there has not been, as far as I am aware, any further formal announcements from the government, can the minister give an update on that specific process?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Tourism, Minister for the Status of Women) (14:41): I am not too sure which date the honourable member wants. She needs to clarify her question, please.

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: The joint release was 19 November 2011. So, any information since then specifically in relation to the relationship between commonwealth marine reserves and state marine parks, as requested by the commercial fishing sector.

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: The Minister for Environment is the lead minister responsible for marine parks, and he is in charge of the process around that. I will refer the honourable member's question to the Hon. Paul Caica and bring back a response.

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (14:42): I have a supplementary question. Is the minister saying that she does not have any information in relation to what the commercial fishing sector has requested?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Tourism, Minister for the Status of Women) (14:42): The honourable member asked me for a date, Mr President.

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: I did not ask for a date. I asked for an update. The Hon. G.E. GAGO: Mr President, that is why I asked the honourable member to clarify her question, and I asked the honourable member what date did she want.

Tuesday 17 July 2012

In reply to the Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (3 April 2012).

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, Minister for Social Housing, Minister for Disabilities, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers): The Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation has been advised:

The Commonwealth and State marine parks processes are being run separately and under different pieces of legislation. The proposed timeline for completing both processes is 2012. The South Australian Government is committed to working closely with the Commonwealth Government as marine protected areas are developed for each jurisdiction. This includes consideration of all matters relating to the establishment of marine protected areas, including achievement of conservation outcomes, of zoning and possible implications on the commercial fishing sector.

Particular consideration is being given to the combined effect of commonwealth reserves and state marine parks on the commercial fishing industry.