Nsw Marine Park Manning Shelf

[BOB_SMITH]

To the Journalists

News Item/Press Release from The Newcastle District Anglers Association inc.

MEETING CALLED FOR ALL RECREATIONAL USERS UNDER THREAT OF LOCKOUTS IN MANNING SHELF BIOREGION ASSESSMENT----- NEWCASTLE PORT STEPHENS AREA 10TH AUGUST MAYFIELD SERVICES CLUB 7.00PM

As you are well aware the Manning Shelf Biodiversity Marine Bioregion Assessment has been released into the public arena by the Marine Parks Authority. The bureaucrats are denying that there are any imminent time frames for its implementation. Some might believe that and most don't. When the first money allocation of $400,000 is listed from State budgets to commence setting up the Marine Parks associated with this assessment there is cause for alarm.

This assessment is a comprehensive document that stretches from Stockton (north of Hunter River to Nambucca Heads). The Hunter River Estuary HAS been included. The assessment includes Coastal, Estuarine and Offshore waters to the continental shelf which is approximately the 200 metre depth contour. Port Stephens estuary is a prime target

It is not only the angling community that utilises this area but many recreational activities take place utilising the many features this area presents. Visitors and users come from far inland to this region, so lock-outs don't just affect locals.The danger now exists that recreational activities will be denied if the decision makers get there way.

The release of this assessment is in no doubt a planned agenda to get public opinion and as we have witnessed on previous occasions with the implementation of Marine and National Parks, Aquatic Reserves, Sanctuaries, No-take zones, No-access zones, Habitat Protection zones, No-fishing zones and general use zones there is a system of "divide and conquer". This system makes the bureaucratic plan of locking up recreational Australia an emotional exercise and a political green vote attraction that is sought by both the major political party. This will happen

The recreational movement must get up of it's bum and give these decision makers the message that we do not want to be locked out of Australia. They are stirring to the call because these lock-outs have already started within National Parks who are now combined with the Marine Parks.

Even the NSW Fishing Clubs Association has finally heeded to this call. They are embarking on creating a formidable taskforce to combat planned lock-outs/no access restrictions. Under their umbrella and new agenda called $%^&* (an initiative of Mr Rod Burston committee member) small groups are being brought together up and down the coast to address local boundary Marine Park lockouts/no access issues.

So far groups have come together at Byron Bay, Nambucca to Crescent Heads, Crescent to Crowdy Head, Myall Lakes region to Port Stephens and the South Coast.

At a meeting of the Newcastle District Anglers Association on Wed 13th July 2005 there was a unanimous decision taken to call for a group to be formed to look after this Newcastle to Port Stephens boundary.

This information is seeking interested persons/group representatives/associations/clubs from any potential recreational activity that will be undoubtedly affected to attend a gathering at Mayfield Services Club Newcastle on the 10th August to discuss the issue with the aim of setting up an active group.

This is a serious issue and the time has come to help those who want to do something. A committee group will be formed.

As an indication of who and how many might be attending this meeting it would be appreciated if those representatives attending RSVP by email to Robert Smith sinali@bigpond.com, rsm35254@bigpond.net.au

or call 0408434591 and leave a message if unanswered.

Thank you

Robert Smith

President NDAA

Chairman, The Fishing Party

NSWFCA State President.

11 Watts Close, Singleton 2330

0265560338

BOB SMITH