[Greens-Media] The Greens launch report calling for reinstatement of marine sanctuaries

[Jegatheeswaran, Brami (Jegan) (Sen L. Rhiannon)]

Media Release
17 June

The Greens launch report calling for reinstatement of marine sanctuaries

NSW Senator Lee Rhiannon joined Greens candidates for Mackellar Mike Hall and Warringah Clara Williams Roldan to launch the 'Protecting our precious environment' campaign calling for the reinstatement of marine sanctuaries.

The state-wide campaign and release of a 30 page comprehensive report on NSW's diverse natural environments and the dangers they face is being supported by Former Greens leader Bob Brown.
Mr Hall said: "the Greens would protect coastal environments by reinstating a national network of marine sanctuaries that was suspended by the Coalition government in 2013.

"Living on the northern beaches, we're only too aware of our precious marine environment - epitomised by Long Reef and its unique rock platform, with nooks and crannies facing every direction of the compass supporting life found nowhere else.

"The Greens are proposing a sustainable way forward that protects this precious coastline and offshore waters around the country - as well as the marine life they support. Ensuring the reinstatement of environmental protections for Australia's marine parks is a top priority for the Greens.

"It is unbelievable that the historic declaration of the largest ever national network of marine parks -made by Australia in 2012 - came unstuck so quickly. Australia's waters are home to diverse and unique marine life and it is our responsibility to preserve them," Mr Hall said.

Ms Williams Roldan said: "The Greens policy echoes what many people in seaside electorates have been campaigning for -legal and comprehensive protection of our marine sanctuaries.

"The people of Warringah are passionate about their coast line, which includes the ecologically diverse Cabbage Tree Bay area. For many years, local volunteers have patrolled this "No Take" area to protect our marine wildlife.

"As part of truly representing the concerns of the community, it is essential that the protections for marine sanctuaries are reinstated immediately," she said.

Senator Rhiannon said: "Successive governments in NSW and federally have weakened the laws that are supposed to protect the environment and regulate the impacts of development and mining.

"The Greens NSW report 'Protecting our precious environment' is a key part of our election platform. NSW natural environments are under a range of serious threats and this election is an opportunity for people to be informed and to add their voice to the call for greater protection," she said.

Dr Brown added that "anyone who cares for the future should not vote for Labor or the Coalition. It is essential to Vote 1 the Greens".

Media contact
Mike Hall: 0404 028 253
Clara Williams Roldan: 0481 821 072
Lee Rhiannon: Maddy Williams 0421 214 305


Brami Jegan
Communications | Strategy
for Australian Greens Senator Lee Rhiannon

72 Campbell Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010
p: (02) 9211 9523 | m: 0433 054 712

http://lee-rhiannon.greensmps.org.au/

Our Sydney office is on the land of the Gadigal People of the Eora nation.