Recreational fishers from across the community have gathered, calling on the NSW Government to halt the assault on fishing rights with proposed marine parks stretching from Newcastle to Wollongong.
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The proposal released last week means local residents and fishing clubs will be locked out of large areas between Newcastle and Wollongong taking in areas around Sydney Harbour.
Member for Myall Lakes, Stephen Bromhead attended the gathering.
“I stand with those men, women and children who enjoy throwing a line in or heading out on the water for the day, for us on the coast and many families across the state it’s a huge part of our lifestyle and our local economies,” Mr Bromhead said.
“Conservation stakeholders like the National Parks Association and the Nature Conservation Council of NSW want you to believe that recreational fishing and boating is a threat to these sites and that we should be locked out.
“I believe in a healthy coast and sea, managed for the greatest wellbeing of the community now and into the future, but I do not support Marine Parks.
“Working with council, Maritime and Lands I’ve been able to secure funding to upgrade boat ramps and oversee the repair and replacement of many wharves and jetties to benefit local recreational fishing across Myall Lakes.”
For more information and to read the discussion paper about the 25 proposed marine park sites, go to: www.marine.nsw.gov.au/key-initiatives/hawkesbury-sheld-marine-assessment.
You can have your say until Thursday, September 27 by visiting www.surveymonkey.com/r/HawkesburyDP or by contacting Mr Bromhead’s on 6555 4099 or via email at myalllakes@parliament.nsw.gov.au.