The draft plans for the network were tabled in Parliament last week, and a disallowance motion was put forward by Labour, supported by the Greens. The disallowance motion was debated Tuesday evening and was NOT supported – a great outcome for industry.

This win demonstrates that coordinated advocacy from industry can lead to positive outcomes.  More importantly, the green agenda has been dealt a much deserved defeat.  At no point did any industry argue that protecting the environment is not important in the management of the marine resource.  A balance has been struck between industry, environment and community.

QSIA Media Release (28 March 2018)

Coral Sea Zoning Plan – Balance Achieved

Queensland’s peak seafood representative body has welcomed Federal Parliament’s support for new marine park zoning plans tonight.

Queensland Seafood Industry Association (QSIA) President Keith Harris said support by a majority of Senators meant that the Coalition’s marine park zoning plans would come into effect on 1 July this year.

“The Coalition’s marine park zoning plans still mean closing massive areas in regions like the Coral Sea to one or more forms of commercial fishing but they will preserve millions of dollars in seafood production and large numbers of jobs compared with the alternative 2012 Labor Party plans,” Mr Harris said.

“It is incredible but unsurprising that the Australian Labor Party and Australian Greens opposed these zoning plans in the Senate.

“The commercial seafood industry has been lobbying for more than 10 years for a balanced outcome and the current plans go some way to achieve a just outcome,” Mr Harris said.

“A sensible outcome that has balanced environmental, economic and social interests have won the day.

“It’s an unsettling part of our political landscape that the environmental lobby and their political wing, the Australian Greens, have such an influence over the Australian Labor Party.

“The existence of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, its protections and that the park allows for multiple uses – recreational and commercial fishing as well as tourism activity – is testament to the ability for many stakeholder interests to be upheld” Mr Harris said.

“A blow has been struck for a balanced outcome – for the environment, economy and community.”

Author: Keith Harris, President – Queensland Seafood Industry Association

Image Credit: Coral Sea Maps – Parks Australia and ABC Rural

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