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29 May 2008: Garrett not committed to marine conservation

Australian Greens Media Release MPAs

29 May 2008

Garrett not committed to marine conservation (Australia)

The future of marine protection in Australia remains in limbo, as the Government is yet to make up its mind if it will fund marine parks under their 'Caring for our Country' program.
 
"According to budget papers, only $15 million over three year has been allocated to marine protected areas," said Senator Rachel Siewert today.
 
"This is a cut of over 50%."
 
"When questioned about this massive cut, department officials said that they are waiting for Government to decide if they will fund further marine protection under Caring for our Country."
 
"It is clear that there has been little thought to marine reserves in the Government's ad-hoc election promises."
 
"Our precious marine environments seem to have been overlooked in a massive governmental blindspot."
 
"My questions have revealed that the funding for marine reserves has yet to be decided - putting yet another vital environmental management area up in the air until such time as Minister Garrett decides to allocate it," she said.
 
"The Greens are deeply concerned that NRM will be short changed and areas such as marine reserves could be set back" she concluded.
 
For more information: contact Chris Twomey on 0407 725 025 or chris.twomey@aph.gov.auc or visit http://greens.org.au/