Environment Minister Greg Hunt has announced the Federal Government is proceeding with an independent review of Commonwealth Marine Reserves. “It is important that an independent review based on science is undertaken which reconsiders zoning boundaries to restore community confidence,” the Minister said.
The review will be conducted by an Expert Scientific Panel, Chaired by Professor Bob Beeting, of the University of Queensland School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Management, In addition, five Bioregional Advisory Panels have been appointed to ensure that communities, marine-based businesses and other interested groups are consulted about the management of marine reserves.
“We have asked the expert panels to consider what management arrangements will best protect our marine environment and accommodate the many activities that Australians enjoy in our oceans,” Minister Hunt said.
More information is available at the following url – https://www.environment.gov.au/minister/hunt/2014/mr20140911a.html