Questions for Minister Debus for this Sunday

[ACTAngler]

Minister Debus is meeting with rec fishos for an hour this Sunday and I'm invited.? I am looking for a couple of short, sharp questions to ask that will put him on the spot.? I want questions that he is forced to answer properly, not allow him to just waffle off some cr^p that we have all heard before about how good the marine parks are or some other b.s.

Any suggestions welcome.

[ACTAngler]

"Minister,

in response to the growing community opposition to your political agenda of introducing Marine Parks, the NSW Coalition has announced that they will review all Park Zonings when they win the election in March 2007.?

a) Is Labor worried about this (you should be).

b) Will Labor make a similar committment and finally listen to the community concerns?"

[Peril]

The 1998 statement by 1600 marine scientists called for 20% of the marine environment to be protected from "overexploitation of species, physical alteration of ecosystems, pollution, introduction of alien species and global atmospheric change". Given that recreational fishing, as regulated by the DPI, does none of these, why is it prohibited anywhere in marine parks? Why do the marine parks not address the other threats?

[Rod Burston]

You have claimed that no take zones have been implimented as a result of the application of the precautionary principle. Please confirm.

If so, will you provide the public with the Government's assessment of risks and the assesment of the suitability of protection measures?

Why were stakeholders with the most knowledge and experience in the marine environment excluded from this process in direct contravention of risk assessment standards?

If the principle was not formally applied, can you provide the public with the conclusive scientific evidence of the threats identified and the effectiveness of no take zones in addressing the identified threats?

Genuine conservationists will be able to answer these questions in their sleep.

Demand a direct answer. When you get waffle in return, blow up. Accuse the green movement and the government of environmental mis-management and walk out. Let us know and we will go straight to the press.

[Dennis The Menace]

Ask him why he won't respond to my emails!

[Dr. Phil]

Narooma Port Committee                        
Philip Creagh? BVSc. Chairman? ? ph. 4476 3604
John Moore? Secretary                           
PO Box 596
Narooma, NSW, 2546

This is the text of an email I have sent out to 200 on my email list.  It obviously is ONLY in relation to the Batemans Marine Park.

BATEMANS MARINE PARK - Meeting with Minister Debus-? SUNDAY 7TH. MAY 2006

The following is a list of questions that have been submitted to Minister Debus today (Thursday), in preparation for the Meeting with Minister Debus on Sunday 7th May 2006.? Recreational Fishermen at 10am., Commercial Fishermen at 11am., and then the BMP Advisory Committee? at 1.30pm(after a Dept. of Environment sponsored lunch??).

The issue of the potential costs to the area affected by the BMP is being investigated now.? It includes the area FROM Bermagui to Brush Island, and in particular will look at the effects on Caravan Parks, Clubs, Accommodation and Restaurants/Cafes as well as the obvious ones such as Tackle stores, Marinas, Boat Hire and Boat repair businesses.

At this stage, of nearly 200 people on the EMAIL list, I know of only 3 who are going.? One Rec. fisherman, and one charter operator, one tackle store owner.? There are 7 on the list who are members of the BMP Advisory Committee.


QUESTION
Minister Debus... You stated that the "rough" location of the BMP was decided prior to the 2003 NSW election, in a cabinet meeting.? Would the Labour candidate (Ms. Chinnock) at the time of the 2003 State Election have known of this decision?

QUESTION
Minister Debus... In the zoning for the BMP there are "No Take" zones going to be implemented to stop recreational line fishing and commercial line fishing.? Where, and what, is the relevant Science, for this area, for 5%, 10% or even 20% "No Take" Zones for a Marine Park in the Far South Coast of NSW?

QUESTION
Minister Debus... You stated on ABC South East radio (7th April) that there has been no effect on fishing tourism related income in other Marine Parks after they had been gazetted.?
How can you be sure of this when no studies have been done in either SIMP since 2002, and JBMP since 2002?? Would you be more cautious in making that statement if you were aware of your own Department of Environment and Conservation Socio-Economic report (page 53) that estimates a 20% decline in Charter Fishing Gross revenue, if 20% of BMP is declared "No Take"?

QUESTION
Minister Debus... NSW Fisheries Minister McDonald has stated (19th November 2005) that "Marine Parks are NOT created for protecting or enhancing specific fisheries".? You stated on the 1st March 2006 "If we don't look at new ways to protect fish stocks, our grandchildren aren't going to have anything to fish at all, Commercial or Recreational".?
Minister Debus who is right?

QUESTION
Minister Debus... You stated on the 7th April on ABC South East that we had to have "protected marine areas" because the population is going to increase by 55% in the next 20 years.
Do you seriously believe that the "danger" to Marine habitat is going to come from the sea, or from land-based development such as agricultural and domestic run-off, sewage outfalls and land degradation?

QUESTION
Minister Debus... The Socio-Economic report does not make ANY comment on land-based businesses.? Is that because it is NOT required to because the ONLY compensation will be paid to Commercial Fishers?? Do you think with the fragile economy on the Far South Coast that PERHAPS a Socio-Economic report showing potential effects on Land based businesses should be done, especially in light of the DEC report which estimates a 20% decline in charter fishing income??

QUESTION
Minister Debus... In relation to the Charter Fishing data on page 53 of that report, are you completely sure that the figure quoted in Table 8.10 is accurate?? Viz. Gross Fishing charter income in the BMP is $945,328p.a.

QUESTION
Minister Debus... What consequences does the Subordinate Legislation Act 1989 have on the implementation of the BMP.? Does a Regulatory Impact Statement have to be produced for the BMP?
QUESTION
Minister Debus... The question of permit fees has NOT been resolved satisfactorily when we get assurances from local staff of "No permit fees in first 12 months".? We hear that in Jervis Bay MP, a bait-collecting permit was expected to cost $2000.? Do you have any comment?

QUESTION
Minister Debus... Does the NSW Government have in place ANY contingency plan for land based businesses, of any description, that may be adversely affected by the Batemans MP.? Or is the Government CONVINCED that the economic experience will be completely positive??
Could I give you the example of the Commonwealth Governments commitment to the land based businesses in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.? As we speak the compensation to land based businesses has climbed to $110million and is expected to exceed $250mill.? This is a direct result of the "No Take" zoning going from 4% to 30% recently

QUESTION
Minister Debus... Are you aware that the Commercial fishing buyout package, $8.5million, that was announced on November 30th INCLUDES an administration fee of $500,000, effectively making the money available to buyout affected Commercial Fishermen $8.0million?
We understand that the money is being paid out from the NSW Environmental Trust Fund.? Which Government Department gets the administration fee?

QUESTION
Minister Debus... In the middle of January 2006 (January 19th?) nineteen questions and issues were raised with you by the Mayor, General Manager and Tourism Manager of Eurobodalla Shire Council, at a meeting in Narooma.? Why haven't you, or the Director of NPWS, addressed any of these?

QUESTION
Minister Debus... Given that the IUCN(WCF) actually does NOT recommend a specific percentage "no take" zone for an Marine Protected Area that uses the methods of recreational and commercial line fishing, as is practised in the borders of the BMP.? The IUCN recommends no take zones for areas affected by quite destructive board trawling, deep ocean trawling, drift netting and long-lining in Oceanic waters.?
Who made the decision to "lock up" 20% of the BMP in "No take" zones??
Is any "Scientific committee" fully conversant with ALL the data available?

QUESTION
Minister Debus... Are you aware that the constituency of the Australian member groups of the IUCN (region 6 - Oceania), apart from the Federal and State Departments of Environment, are the various Extreme green conservation groups?? The National Parks Association, Nature Conservation Council, Wilderness Society and so on are funded to a MAJOR EXTENT by the NSW State Government.?
NOTE there is NOT ONE primary production or resource management Government Department that is a member of the IUCN.
Do you believe that this could possibly bring into doubt the credentials of the IUCN to be the main source of your "science" as to the zoning within the BMP and other State MP's?

QUESTION
Minister Debus... Have you reviewed the funding that the NSW Government gives to the Nature Conservation Council, NPA and so on, which many believe is merely used to spread alarmist rumour and innuendo, such as the recent claim by NCC (funded by NSW Department of Environment) that NSW Fish stocks were in collapse.? Are you aware that the NSW Fisheries Chief Scientist, Kennelly, had to refute these claims??
In relation to this issue
Who do you believe?? The NCC or Dr Kennelly?
Does Dr Kennelly have better things to do with his time than respond to spurious claims by the NCC, NPA or the Wilderness Society?

QUESTION
Minister Debus... In relation to many of the spurious claims by the NCC, NPA and so on, will you use Scientists from YOUR department to refute them??
After the $100,000 bailout of the Nature Conservation Council in April 2005, will the taxpayer funds used be reviewed transparently for this year?

[CB49]

Please seek confirmation that the existing Recreational Fishing Havens (of which there are 15 in the Batemans Bay Marine Park) will not be impacted upon by Sanctuary zones - we need 100% assurance.
Max Castle

[ACTAngler]

Why do the marine parks not address the other threats?

I asked "The Farmer" (E-I-E-I-O) a similar question when he was on 2ky. ?What does a Marine Park do to stop pollution, habitat destruction etc. ?I got some waffle answer totally off topic (typical). ?I still have that interview on tape, so I will have to write down what he said and see if Devious can give a different spiel.

[CB49]

Canine restrictions
In view of the (actual ed.) canine restrictions in the Cape Byron Marine Park, will the same restrictions apply to the B.B.M.P.?

[Tarki]

 G'day CB49.      Go to "Marine Parks" page 15 column, on this site for some up to date information concerning Recreational Fishing Havens...(RFH's)     Tarki.

[Dennis The Menace]

Act Angler if you could please hand deliver this letter to Mr Debus for me as he must keep misplacing it or damn Aust post must lose it. I have sent it to him via email and post over 50 times without a single respose. Please print it and send me a private message and i will give you my return address.


Thank you

Letter

 Dear Mr Debus,
 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
 ? ? ? ? ? ?I am writing to inform you of my absolute distain at the implementation of the Great Lakes-Port Stephens Marine Park. I AM STILL WAITING FOR MY ?EXTENSIVE COMMUNITY CONSULTATION?! If you call a few meetings in small local areas on a weekday in working hours extensive, then you are a joking!
This marine (political) park affects people in other areas as well. Take us in The Hunter for example (although Labor Ministers seem to not know where that is) a huge contingent of people fish in many forms in Port Stephens.
Here are some of my questions:
-Where is our information day in Newcastle, Maitland, and Singleton etc?
-Are the people who went to a public information day eligible for compensation for taking an annual leave day?
-How about a public forum to discuss the social and economic implications of your marine park?
-Can you give an iron clad guarantee that the price of seafood will not rise due to the loss of fishing grounds for commercial operators?
-Is there going to be compensation for individuals due to loss of value of boats, tackle and chandlery?
-Will there be a fishing rod buy-back? It would be unfair for people who no longer fish due to zoning not to recoup there money.
-Will the fishing (fee) license become cheaper due to loss of fishing grounds?
-Is there going to be a cap on the percentage of No-Take zones?
-Will Iemma wake up to himself like he did with the continuation of rail into Newcastle and see that the people don?t want a marine park?
-How much on the Marine Parks budget will go into improving facilities and access to the marine park?
-Will there be an iron clad guarantee that 4WD beach access will always be there in the future?
-Do you consider 27 days enough time to distribute the questionaries to the wider community?
-Were the questionaries printed on recycled paper?
-Will there be signs and zones were litter, runoff and pollution is not permitted?
-In the Byron Bay MP there were over 6000 submissions to change the zonings and only 200 that supported them yet it was not changed? Do you not believe in democracy?
 ? ? ? ? ? ?Or were the zonings pre-done and the rest was a formality? Will this be the case in Port Stephens?
-How many submissions are required to change the zonings?
-Do fines directly related to breaches in the marine park go directly back into the parks budget?
-Under section 17 of the Marine Parks Act it states that the MPA will regulate ?the enjoyment of marine parks?. How will you do this?
-Compared to the money spent on creating this park, wouldn?t funds be better allocated to research into sustainable fish farming and grants? ?
-How is it only a select few (60 from Port Stephens) were able to participate in an advisory committee on recreational fishing? Again not very extensive!
-In Lake Macquarie the fishing has improved a massive amount due to the buy-out of professional fishing. Couldn?t this be done in Port Stephens?
-Will there be compensation for fishing tackle stores due to loss of business?
-Will there be compensation for fishing charter operators due to loss of patronage?
-How much of the marine parks budget be spent on stopping runoff, sewage, litter, pollutants, exotic weeds, algae?s etc?
-How many times a year do you fish? If so where?
-Do you consider fishing a sport?
-Do marine park laws stop Aboriginals from fishing in sanctuary zones against their culture?
-If I could establish and prove my fishing culture would I be given the same rights as Aboriginals?
-If Sydney Harbour was declared a marine park 50 years ago, would that have stopped the pollution affecting the fish stocks?
-Since following the Greens policy in regards to marine parks, will Labor follow their policy on drugs?
-Is it fair that the GL-PSMP Advisory Committee be stacked with 5 conservationists and only 3 rec fisherman?
-I do not want a marine park so why should I have to pay?


 ? ? ? ? ? ? I also have a request for the immediate resignation of Megan Kestler from the Marine Park Authority as she will not answer my emails. She is a public servant and it is part of her duty. ?I also would like Mr John Clarke stripped of his position on the advisory committee as I believe he does not represent the wider fishing community. That is an official vote of no confidence.


 ? ? ? ? ? ?The most disgusted fisherman of The Hunter
 ? ? ? ? ? ?

[Tarki]

? QUESTION to Devious Bob,? (the builder of Marine Parks)
? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Bob, Ian Macdonald will be going back to "olde Macdonald's farm," if Labor loses the election next year. (We must make it happen!)?   What plans do you have?

? INFORMATION:? The commercial buy-out from marine parks, is only for FIVE YEARS!? Twenty one commercial fishers from the Cape Byron Political Park, recieved their "buy-out" cheques at the end of April.? Already two of them, at least, are negotiating to buy back in, with their golden handshake, into other fisheries. The nonsense spouted by Debus at Cape Byron, in 2004, about "reducing the commercial effort," in HIS marine parks is all political spin. Prawn trawlers from outside the park, are rubbing their hands and licking their lips with glee, because they now have LESS competition and can work longer and harder, (increased effort) within the park!? And they've got 53% of the park in which to plough.......every night of the year, if they choose to. While local offshore recreational fishing families get to use? ONLY? 0.1% of the park, for four (4) months of the year. Now if that is about protecting the biodiversity, he is an alien.

Phil, I have a scientific colleague who is a member of "the scientific committee." Stay in touch. Tarki

[ACTAngler]

"Minister,? Recreational anglers are still wating to hear which species we overfish that need protection and still waiting for the threats that recreational angling poses to "biodiversity" to be identified.? Given we have been asking this for months, have you had time to come up with answers to these questions"

"Minister,? Who wrote the "Socio-Economic Assessment of the Batemans Marine Park?? What % of Sanctuary Zones was it based on?? Did the author obtain permission from CARE to plagiarise their report"

"Minister,? Minister Macdonald in a media release about Recreational Fishing Havens said: "The only way Recreational Fishing Havens will be changed is if local recreational fishers request it".? I am from Canberra and paid the same amount for a license to create the Havens as anyone else in NSW.? Yes or no - Do I get a say on whether RFH's become Sanctuary Zones?"

"Minister,? Compensation paid to businesses as a result of the recent increase in Sanctuary Zones in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park are estimated to exceed $100million.? Yes or no - Will South Coast businesses be entitiled to compensation if your socio-economic report turns out to be wrong?"

[Rod Burston]

I bought a weekender to fish my spots that are now being locked up.
Will fishers be compensated too?