Print print page

Farewell from the MCCN

Farewell_from_chair_MCCN_NRG.pdf

 

Farewell …it would seem
23 June 2008
 MCCN has been advised today (23 June 2008) that it will not be refunded as a national community service Network by the new Australian Government. The Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA) has indicated that:

 
“ I am writing to inform you of the result of the Government’s consideration of projects submitted for Caring for our Country transition year funding (2008-09). To ensure a smooth transition to the new program, the Government has made some decisions on critical projects that took into consideration factors such as whether the project will implement 2007 election commitments; fulfil a Commonwealth obligation; or where a delay in funding could cause an irreversible loss of momentum.
 Unfortunately the Marine Coastal Community Network has not been approved for critical funding during this process.
 The Government appreciates the value of the work that MCCN undertakes but unfortunately it had to take some very difficult decisions in the Caring for our Country transition year to ensure that sufficient funding is available to run a Caring for our Country Open Grants funding round in 2008-09.”

The National Reference Group which has overseen the management of MCCN would particularly like to thank current and past staff for their knowledge, skills and dedication way beyond the call of duty – they have been the heart and soul of the Network. I would also personally like to express my profound appreciation to current and past National and Regional Reference Group members for their wisdom and for their extraordinary individual voluntary commitments to “making a difference”.  
Finally we would like to thank the Board and all the staff of our host organisation, the Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) particularly the Director, Kate Davey, who have supported MCCN’s Mission of multi-sector dialogue and community information and education services for nearly all of our 15 years.
 The breadth of MCCN’s work is considerable. However, a couple of the initiatives in which MCCN has been involved beyond our core Network services and which we, MCCN’s National Reference Group are particularly proud of, include:
•                    our substantial involvement in the development and support of Australia’s Oceans Policy and National Representative System of Marine Protected Areas (NRSMPAs)
•                    supporting or conducting forums which address specific sectors or multi-sector interest e.g. Bass Strait Forum, Kimberley Scientific Forum
•                    regular participants in community radio programs across Australia
•                    development and distribution of a wide range of high quality, science-based educational and interpretative materials about marine and coastal conservation (e.g. Taking NRM Beyond The Shore)
•                    developing or supporting community involvement projects e.g.
o   Dragon Search – community marine monitoring was initiated by MCCN (SA) in partnership with a range of organizations including the Threatened Species Network and Marine Life Society
o   Reefwatch – began as a joint project between the MCCN, SARDI Aquatic Science Centre and the Conservation Council of SA and local scuba divers, now a national award winning community engagement program
It seems almost inconceivable that a non profit organisation whose Mission has been to provide free informed commentary and encourage engagement on marine and coastal policy and programs nationally, has to cease operations at this absolutely critical time in Australia’s history when the pressures on coastal and marine environments have never been greater.
 I would like to thank the Network’s 10,000 plus participants for their support and commitment to conservation and sustainable use of Australia’s unique marine and coastal environments. Thank you also to our many supporters in key stakeholder groups and all levels of government – but especially to those in the ‘Community’ who have shared our passion.
 Kind regards,
Chair
MCCN’s National Reference Group
Dr Alastair Birtles
On behalf of all the MCCN National Reference Group:
David Carter – GM Newfishing Pty Ltd, WA
Prof. Bruce Thom – Wentworth Group & Australian Coastal Soc., NSW
Kate Davey – Director AMCS , QLD
Michelle Grady – Pew Trusts SA
Chris Rees – Depart. Tourism, Arts & the Environment, TAS
Dianne Tarte – Moreton Bay & Waterways Catchment Partnership, SE QLD
Assoc. Prof. Geoff Wescott, Deakin University, VIC