Without community support the bid to have Port Stephens recognised as a world heritage site will not become a reality believes the Marine Parks Association’s chairman, Frank Future.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
That is why the association, the proponent of the world heritage proposal, will host a series of public meetings with the first to be held in Salamander Bay on January 9.
“These types of proposals are driven by community,” Mr Future said. “Without community support, it just wouldn’t work.
“To help people understand what it is we’re proposing, we’re holding at least four public meetings for anyone interested in finding out more and to ask questions. There will be a panel to answer questions, we’ll have a visual presentation and pamphlets.”
The association announced in March 2017 that it was seeking world heritage status for an area that covers more than 7000 square kilometres extending from Port Stephens to the Barrington Tops.
The proposed site spans three council areas – Port Stephens, Dungog and MidCoast – and would incorporate the Barrington Tops National Park, Booti Booti National Park, Hunter Wetlands National Park, Myall Lakes National Park, Tomaree National Park and the waters of the Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park and their catchments (Karuah, Myall Lakes, Bulahdelah).
EARLIER STORY: Port Stephens' World Heritage application
This vast area includes at least 229 species of birds, 658 species of plants, eight species of threatened mammals and seven species of threatened frogs and snakes.
Mr Future said that while 95 per cent of the Port Stephens-Myall Lakes estuary was protected in some way, there was still concern about its long-term management which is what prompted the association to take a “whole estuary approach” to the area’s future.
Terry Domico, a conservation biologist from Anna Bay and an advisor to the Marine Parks Association, is the lead scientist in the world heritage proposal.
He said studies done in almost every estuary in southern Australia – from Perth to Brisbane – are in serious decline.
“It didn't take me very long to determine that Port Stephens, the Myall Lakes and their associated catchments were very special and met the criteria for inclusion into world heritage,” he said.
“World heritage will not change property ownership, when you can mow your lawn, or eliminate fishing. State and local laws will still apply.
“The big change will be how we view and manage the area as a whole.”
The public meeting will be held at Salamander Bay Library and Community Centre from 7pm on January 9.
For more information go to: marineparksassociation.org.au