Draft South Coast Marine Park ‘fails’ to take balanced approach, according to Esperance Shire submission

The draft plans for the marine park proposed to span 1100km of WA’s south coast “fails” to take a balanced approach, according to the Shire of Esperance. Councillors voted on Tuesday night to back the shire’s 31-page submission on the South Coast Marine Park which calls for changes to the current proposals. In the document, shire president Ron Chambers highlighted that the current plan “does not reflect the well-balanced marine park the Government has been promising”. The submission calls for a thorough socio-economic impact assessment, with Mr Chambers underscoring that the unknown effects of the park had fostered “divisive” opinions and mental health issues. Shire chief executive Shane Burge said the final park design needed to be well-balanced — environmentally, socially, and economically. “So that’s where we ask some questions in our submission, making sure that the sanctuary zones also have the appropriate research done,” he said. “Also, trying to look after the way of life in Esperance as well by still making sure that recreational fishing from the beach can continue along with camping and beach driving. “They are really important things for the Esperance community so our submission was based around that.” The submission recommends a consistent 200m offshore buffer from proposed sanctuary zones, ongoing funding commitments to managing traditional owner groups, scientific evidence to back sanctuary zones and consultation with maritime industries. Among the recommendations is the establishment of a research facility and regional university link — similar to those in Kalgoorlie-Boulder and Broome — to fully realise the education and research opportunities of the marine park. The recommendations are to be submitted to the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions which is currently facilitating a community consultation to gather feedback on draft park plans released in February. Mr Chambers urged the community to make their own submissions before the deadline next month. “Remember that when you read the submission, it is the shire’s submission, it’s not a community submission . . . members of the community need to put their own submission in,” he said. The marine park has generated significant controversy in the Esperance community since the initial draft plans were released earlier this year, with three major rallies held to publicly demonstrate opposition to the park. The public comment period is open until June 16, 2024. For more information or to have your say, visit dbca.wa.gov.au/get-involved/have-your-say.