WHEN the Batemans Marine Park (BMP) was established, a number of guarantees were given to the Eurobodalla community. These promises included that the community would be able to provide advice on the management of the BMP, that fish stocks would improve, that there would be jobs brought to the area by the BMP, and that infrastructure developments would proceed with minimal hindrance.
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An interesting exercise might be to do a report card for the 2013-14 financial year.
Subject - Community Consultation:
Comment: It has been over nine months since the applications closed for the positions on the Batemans Marine Park Advisory Committee, this effectively means that little or no consultation has taken place within the community this year? Generally, a reluctance to share with others. Grade 1/10.
Subject – Improved Fish Stocks:
Comment: The claims of improved fish stocks have now changed to’ improved fish stock opportunities’. The opening of fishing opportunities on beaches near Sanctuary Zones represents a slight improvement. Grade 4/10
Subject - Jobs:
Comment: The position of Researcher is no longer located in the area of the BMP (where is it located? Another secret), so there has been a net loss in employment for this period. The fifth manager of BMP in seven years will commence shortly, hopefully they are employing local furniture removalists. Grade 2/10.
Infrastructure:
Comment: As there is no advisory committee, and with BMP staff unwilling or unable to say how much projects such as the Narooma Boat Ramp will impact on seagrass habitat it is unable to be accurately assessed. Grade: Not Assessed.
Overall Result: Due to poor grades it requires more effort, if results don’t start to improve a visit to the guidance counsellor is highly recommended.
Place in class: Sixth from six Marine Parks from a score of 7/30
John Moore
Narooma