MARINE PROTECTED AREAS

The Hon. C.V. SCHAEFER (15:13): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for State/Local Government Relations a question about marine parks.

Leave granted.

The Hon. C.V. SCHAEFER: The combined councils of Lower Eyre Peninsula, Port Lincoln and Tumby Bay have expressed concern at the size and proposed boundaries of Marine Park No. 6. They have called for an economic impact study and/or a community impact study to determine more appropriate boundaries. My questions are:

1. Has the minister been consulted by the Department for Environment and Heritage or by the Minister for Environment and Conservation on this matter?

2. Will she arrange for the conduct of these studies on behalf of local government?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for State/Local Government Relations, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister Assisting the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Energy) (15:14): A very comprehensive process has been put in place to ensure consultation in an ongoing way through the phased approach to the development of our marine parks which involve all appropriate stakeholders in relation to their input. It is a comprehensive process which is continuing and which is being led by the Minister for Environment and Conservation. I have every confidence that the minister is dealing with that process in a highly adequate way.