Marine Parks

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation) (14:25): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement on the topic of marine parks regional impact assessment statements.

Leave granted.

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER: On 18 September 2014, the government committed to completing regional impact assessment statement processes for Port Wakefield, Ceduna and Kangaroo Island to assess the implementation of marine park sanctuary zones. These assessment statements will investigate any social or economic effects on these areas which may result from sanctuary zones, which came into full effect on 1 October 2014. The statements will be completed by 1 October 2015. However, information will be considered as it becomes available and, if any areas of concern are identified, the government will immediately address it rather than waiting until the end of the assessment process.

I am pleased to announce that the South Australian Centre of Economic Studies has agreed to undertake the assessment of socioeconomic data, including unemployment rates, household income and coastal property prices. In addition, it will model some of the regional flow-on socioeconomic effects. The centre's work will be incorporated into the broader regional impact assessment statement coordinated by the Goyder Institute for Water Research. Goyder is recognised nationally as an independent source of expert scientific advice.

In addition, the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) will undertake work on fisheries' catch data to assess impacts to commercial fishers. Other assessment areas, such as the ecological and environmental components, park visitation rates and regional surveys will be undertaken by the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources.

To ensure community confidence in the final regional impact assessment statement, Goyder will engage an independent expert to peer review all three regional impact statements. An across-agency working group, consisting of representatives from Primary Industries and Regions SA, the Department of State Development and the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, will liaise with Goyder in preparing that statement.

The impact assessment process will also investigate the positive opportunities that may arise from marine parks, such as marine-related businesses and other land-based regional initiatives. In addition to the research and data collection, information will be sought from community members and key stakeholders over the next few months about any changes in their circumstances that are attributable to marine parks.

I reiterate that the government recognises the importance of striking the right balance between supporting regional communities and businesses and protecting our marine environment, and this work will help us assess whether we are achieving that balance.

The results of the three regional impact assessments will be delivered by the Goyder Institute for Water Research to myself and the Minister for Regional Development in the other place. The assessments will be used to inform the marine parks monitoring, evaluation and reporting program and the future review of the marine park management plans, which have been brought forward to commence in this term of government.