Community leaders call for action
Eleven prominent Western Australians have joined together to publish a full-page advertisement raising the alarm about a lack of protection for the state’s unique marine life.
The diverse group of Western Australians – which includes leading businesswoman Janet Holmes à Court; author Ben Elton; fashion designer Liz Davenport, and; basketball star Luc Longley – are concerned a proposed plan by the federal government for new marine parks is missing critical sanctuary areas.
The full page 'statement for sanctuaries' made by prominent community leaders
The group published the full-page advertisement in Western Australia and highlighted that many areas close to the coast are under enormous pressure and stocks of rock lobster and dhufish are in decline.
The group has also urged all Australians to say their say in the future of marine life by sending a submission to Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke at www.saveourmarinelife.org.au
“Fish thrive and breed in sanctuaries, local economies grow by attracting more visitors to these National Parks in the sea, and fisheries can benefit,” the message in the advertisement reads.
“But the Federal Government’s proposal is inadequate. It protects less than 3% of our continental shelf and gives no protection to many of our special ocean places.”
The group includes leading businesspeople Janet Holmes à Court, John Poynton and Jock Clough; authors Ben Elton and Tim Winton, musician John Butler; fashion designer Liz Davenport; Dr Fiona Wood; basketball star Luc Longley and celebrity chefs Anna Gare and Ian Parmenter.
Public consultation on the proposed plan by the Federal Government is open until Monday, 8 August.
