Sydney Marine Park discussion paper

Minister for Primary Industries, Niall Blair, and Environment Minister, Mark Speakman, have today (February 29, 2016) announced eight initiatives they say will enhance marine biodiversity conservation along the coast and in estuaries between Newcastle and Wollongong.

These initiatives and much greater are available in the Discussion Paper for the Hawkesbury Shelf Marine Bioregion Assessment - Suggested management initiatives that was released yesterday Sunday, February 29.

Mr Blair said threats to the environmental assets and the social and economic benefits of the bioregion have been identified for the first time and prioritised through community engagement and an evidence-based threat and risk assessment.

"The initiatives aim to enhance marine biodiversity conservation while also achieving balanced outcomes for multiple uses of the bioregion such as boating, fishing, shipping, diving, swimming, education and research," Mr Blair said.

The eight initiatives focus on:
>> Improving water quality and reducing marine litter
>> On-ground works for healthy coastal habitats and wildlife
>> Spatial management for biodiversity conservation and use sharing
>> Marine research to address shipping and fishing knowledge gaps
>> Improving boating infrastructure
>> Reducing use conflicts in Pittwater
>> Improving accessibility
>> Land use planning for coasts and waterways.

Mr Speakman said the NSW Government was seeking the community’s feedback on the strengths and weaknesses of the suggested initiatives.

"I acknowledge the community’s enormous amount of work to inform the threat and risk assessment and management responses," Mr Speakman said.

"I encourage the community to continue this great work and provide feedback on the initiatives to help further evaluation of the management responses and final recommendations to the NSW Government later this year."

The paper will underpin a two-month public engagement process. Submissions close on April 24, 2016. To have your say, visit the

NSW Marine Estate website.

Online submissions are welcome from February 28, 2016 until Sunday 24 April 2016.
Hard copy submission forms are also available at NSW DPI Fisheries offices and completed forms can be posted to:

Submission - Hawkesbury Shelf marine bioregion initiatives
NSW Department of Primary Industries
Locked Bag 1
Nelson Bay NSW 2315

The Discussion Paper for the Hawkesbury Shelf Marine Bioregion Assessment - Suggested management initiatives (4.8 MB, PDF) summarises the outcomes of community engagement, the findings of the threat and risk assessment and presents eight suggested management initiatives being considered to address the priority threats.

Supporting the discussion paper are seven background reports including the Hawkesbury Shelf Marine Bioregion Threat and Risk Assessment (TARA) Report. A series of frequently asked questions are also available.

The feedback you provide will help inform the final package of management initiatives that the Marine Estate Management Authority (MEMA) will present to the NSW Government in mid-2016.

You can also provide new evidence about the threats that affect your use and enjoyment of the bioregion. New evidence could include scientific data, research outcomes or reports, including unpublished data. More at the

NSW Marine Estate website and the Discussion Paper for the Hawkesbury SHelf Marine Bioregion Assessment - Suggested management initiatives