Thousands of submissions have been received from individuals and organisations during the consultation process for the proposed South Coast Marine Park.
The proposed marine park’s four-month public comment period – which is longer than was legally required – closed on Sunday, 16 June.
While the final number of submissions has yet to be tabulated, it’s estimated more than 19,000 submissions were received throughout the process.
The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) has been engaging with the south coast community and industry about Western Australia’s newest marine park since 2021.
The public submission process included an information station operating in Esperance for nine weeks – the first time this has been done for a public consultation of this kind – as well as stalls at local markets and at the Condingup Fair.
Marine Park planners also held meetings with commercial and recreational fishers, community groups, and local authorities during the process, receiving valuable feedback that will be considered as part of the evaluation of public submissions.
Submissions will be analysed and assessed to assist in the development of the management plans for the four marine areas betwen Bremer Bay and the South Australian border.
Further updates on the consultation and planning process will continue to be provided via https://www.dbca.wa.gov.au/management/parks/plan-our-parks/proposed-south-coast-marine-park
Environment Minister Reece Whitby said, “I want to thank Western Australia’s south coast communities for their high level of engagement during consultation on the proposed South Coast Marine Park.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to create a world-class marine park that rivals Ningaloo or the Great Barrier Reef and to protect the environmental values, economic benefits, and lifestyle that we know and enjoy.
“I recognise the strength of feeling in the community on this issue and acknowledge the significant level of interest in the consultation.
“We are not going to rush this process and will now take the time to work through submissions in the coming months.
“Public submissions will be carefully considered to see how the plans can be improved to strike the right balance for the broader community.
“On behalf of the State Government, I again want to thank everyone who has contributed to this process.”
