Managing marine parks
Who manages marine parks?
Marine parks are managed by the Marine Parks Authority, comprising:
- the Director-General of the Premier's Department as chairperson
- the Director-General of the Department of Primary Industries
- the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Environment and Conservation NSW.
How does the Marine Parks Authority work?
The Marine Parks Authority has no staff of its own. Staff are drawn from existing employees in NSW Department of Primary Industries, the Department of Environment and Conservation and the Premier's Department. Day-to-day tasks are managed by the Executive Officer for the Marine Parks Authority, who works in the Premier's Department.
Does the Commonwealth have a role in these parks?
Solitary Islands and Jervis Bay marine parks adjoin marine protected areas under Commonwealth jurisdiction: Solitary Islands Marine Reserve, in the Solitary Islands, and Booderee National Park at Jervis Bay.
Management agreements have been negotiated with the Commonwealth to ensure complementary management of State and Commonwealth waters. These agreements will be reviewed regularly.
Will the community have any role in marine parks?
The community has a vital role in the management of marine parks. Community input is provided for at two levels:
- at the statewide level, through the Marine Parks Advisory Council (see more details below)
- at the local level through advisory committees established for each park. These advise the Marine Parks Authority on the management plan and day-to-day management of a particular park.
What is the role of the Marine Parks Advisory Council?
The council advises the Minister for the Environment, the Minister for Fisheries and the Marine Parks Authority on matters relevant to:
- the selection of marine parks
- the zoning system to be used in marine parks
- the types of activities that will be permitted within each zone.
What groups are represented on the Advisory Council and what is the process for selecting its members?
The Advisory Council consists of the Director of NSW Fisheries, the Director General of the NPWS and ten other members drawn from key interest groups, including:
- commercial and recreational fishing, tourism and commercial operators
- scuba diving groups
- marine science and conservation organisations
- Aboriginal communities.
Members of the Advisory Council are appointed by the government from nominees provided by peak bodies representing industry and interest groups.
How are Aboriginal interests accommodated?
Aboriginal people are represented on the Marine Parks Advisory Council and the local advisory committees which consider all aspects of resource use within the marine parks. Declaring marine parks does not extinguish Native Title.
Once declared, can the boundaries of marine parks be changed?
Existing boundaries and the zones within each park will not be changed without community consultation. Over time, zones and boundaries will periodically be reviewed to ensure that all marine resources are being conserved and that the balance between protection and sustainable use is appropriate.
The boundaries of marine parks can not be amended without Parliamentary approval.
More information
- Visit the Marine Parks Authority website.