Be part of your local marine park advisory committee

25 Nov 2024

Nominations are invited from community members interested in becoming members of their local marine park advisory committee along the NSW coast.

NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Acting Executive Director Fisheries Peter Turnell said the marine park advisory committees for each of NSW’s six marine parks provide a voice for communities in the management of the marine estate and their local marine park.

“Nominations are currently being sought for membership of the Solitary Islands, Port Stephens-Great Lakes, Jervis Bay and Batemans marine park advisory committees,” Mr Turnell said.

“The committees include members with skills, experience and knowledge in areas such as Aboriginal culture, conservation, fishing, marine science, boating, recreational water use, maritime industry, tourism and scuba diving to ensure the wide range of community values can be considered.

“Membership is voluntary, with one member appointed to provide advice for each knowledge area.”

Mr Turnell said marine parks are special places designed to conserve marine biodiversity and deliver a range of benefits to the community, including public enjoyment, scientific research, education and traditional use while supporting sustainable recreational and commercial uses such as scuba diving, fishing, boating and tourism.

“The committees provide important local advice to the department on marine estate and marine park management, including local values, threats, issues and opportunities,” Mr Turnell said.

“I would encourage members of the community who have interest and knowledge in the management of their local marine park to nominate to provide a voice for local communities.”

An initial call for nominations will close Friday 20 December 2024. For more information or to submit a nomination form, visit https://www.marine.nsw.gov.au/advisory-bodies/marine-park-advisory-committees

Media contact: pi.media@dpird.nsw.gov.au