The Beagle Editor,
Demonstrating total contempt for community input - a minimum of 2 months public consultation pre implementation - Andrew Constance arbitrarily announced recreational fishing is immediately permitted in sanctuary zones at Montague Island (2 sites), Wagonga Inlet (2 sites),Brou Lake and Nangudga Lake.
Key environmental issues affecting our ‘NATURE’ coast has been over ruled by a Transport and Roads Minister who can’t run a tram service on time or to budget. And not a word from the Ministers of Agriculture and Environment.
Which scientific body is monitoring the effects of this zoning change? Who is out counting the catch? Where do we turn for accountability when a stroke of the pen over-rides protective legislation guaranteeing our right to public consultation?
Andrew Constance described changes to marine protection zones as an ‘amnesty’ period – as if it was on par with handing in guns. Only this time it will be small lives taken, not saved. He would have been better advised to look up the meaning of 'sanctuary'.
Myf Thompson
Batemans Bay
