VEAC marine inquiry - useful tips for submissions and letters

The Victorian Environmental Assessment Council has been charged with investigating Victoria's existing marine protected areas.

The Victorian National Parks Association believes the terms of reference for this investigation need to be broadened to include the state's entire marine environment.

Thank you to all our members and supporters who made a submission to the terms of reference consultation phase.

We also encourage everyone to write a letter to Victoria's environment minister, including a number of the key points (listed below).

We believe these key points will contribute to a more robust scientific process.

The Victorian environment minister's details are:
Ryan Smith, Minister for the Environment
Level 17, 8 Nicholson Street, Melbourne, VIC
Email: ryan.smith@parliament.vic.gov.au

 

Key points to make in submissions and letters

• Victoria's marine environment is unique and diverse, but is coming under increasing pressure from new and emerging threats such as invasive species, pollution and climate change.
• The terms of reference for the VEAC marine inquiry are far too narrow and only target the small percentage of Victoria's marine environment that lies within marine protected areas.
• The Victorian Coalition needs to deliver on its election commitment and make sure this VEAC marine inquiry assesses the challenges and threats to the entire marine environment.
• Taxpayer money and time will only be maximised if 100% of the marine environment is assessed, not just 11% - because the management and health of the whole marine environment is vital.
• The scope of this inquiry needs to be broadened if it is to properly implement the findings of the Victorian Auditor-General's Office, including the creation of a marine pest biosecurity plan.
• There is an urgent need for a comprehensive marine planning framework and legislation that properly protects the environment.

 

Specific Additions to the Terms of Reference

Part 1 of the investigation should give consideration to:

• Ongoing threats or challenges to the whole Victorian marine environment and biodiversity, including opportunities for improved management and protection (note that this would be an additional term of reference - C).

Part 2 of the investigation should give consideration to:

• Marine planning, including improved legislative and institutional models for managing the marine environment and coastal habitats.
• The recommendations from the Environmental Conservation Council's (ECC) Marine, Coastal & Estuarine Investigation Final Report, 2000.
• The findings from Australian and international scientific studies of marine protected areas.