The NSW government’s proposed Sydney Marine Park includes 25 sites between Newcastle and Wollongong is a significant advance for marine conservation across the Hawkesbury bioregion, including in particular the Sutherland Shire. As a coastal MP and former Environment Minister, I know how important it is to protect and nurture our marine environment and to implement measures that aim to protect and increase our marine biodiversity.
The Towra Point Aquatic Reserve will grow by 349ha, to incorporate additional adjacent Posidonia australis seagrass and shorebird habitat as a special purpose zone. The reserve protects the largest and most diverse wetland complex in the Sydney region. It’s adjacent to the Towra Point Nature Reserve, a wetland of international importance and declared Ramsar site. It’s also an important nursery area for fish and invertebrates, a habitat for migratory seabirds, and rich in marine biodiversity.
Cabbage Tree Creek, a small tidal creek on the southern side of Port Hacking, will be a new 23ha sanctuary zone. The area contains extensive estuarine habitats, including saltmarsh, seagrass and mangroves. It’s a significant area for the local Aboriginal community, as is Towra Point.
An 85ha conservation zone in Royal National Park will go from Martin Head south to the northern end of Garie Beach, including Wattamolla Beach and Wattamolla Lagoon, and 100m seaward.
Some old favourites will be included with no changes to management rules, such as Boat Harbour and Shiprock.
All proposed sites have been carefully analysed by the NSW Marine Estate Management Authority following extensive community consultation. You can provide feedback at: https://www.marine.nsw.gov.au/key-initiatives/hawkesbury-shelf-marine-assessment. Submissions close 27 September.
An information stall will be visiting Cronulla Mall on 15 September from 8 am to 12 noon.
The soggy weather didn’t stop the passion of Sutherland Shire Relay For Life kicking off at Wanda today - increasing cancer awareness, supporting survivors and the families of lost loved ones and survivors, and raising funds for the research and advocacy of Cancer Council NSW. ... See MoreSee Less
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Wonderful charity 💗💓💞
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A moving Anzac ceremony at Woolooware High School today, featuring stories told by students about their forebears in service; Cronulla RSL Sub Branch president Cory Rinaldi speaking of his service and creative life afterwards; and the poetry of Paul Zaat. ... See MoreSee Less
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Out and about in the Ryde electorate today listening to small businesses with Jordan Lane MP - For Ryde ... See MoreSee Less
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Thanks for visiting - it was a pleasure having you meet the locals.
The 254th anniversary of the Meeting of Two Cultures (Cook’s landing) commemorated at Kurnell today. ... See MoreSee Less
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It’s a unique occasion brilliantly done by La Perouse LALC and Sutherland Shire Council.
🌞 Good Morning, 🌍 Congratulations, 🙏 HaVe A GrEaT DaY! #GreAt_PhotOs, 👍 #Amazing_Work, #GreAt_LeAdeR 👏
Respect goes both ways . 🙏❤️
Thankyou for reminding us of Noel Pearson's "Three Stories" youtu.be/GbVZWamD4c0?feature=shared
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Gymea Bay Baths are a magical spot - but now increasingly afflicted by water pollution and litter, including because of the huge growth in its popularity as a fishing spot.
I caught up with local residents a few days ago to discuss the issues and possible solutions. ... See MoreSee Less
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Thank you for coming down and listening to our concerns Mark. The Gymea Bay residents greatly appreciate it.
Thanks for coming down to Gymea bay ,hopefully something can be done so we can all be proud to take family and friends to our beautiful baths .A place where many of us swim when water clean .thanks
Have the fisheries look into if it is truely a king fish breeding ground. If so, ban it!
Undersized fish being taken there daily and contact with fisheries results in 0 action. The place is always covered in fish guts and garbage relying on locals to clean up tourists mess.
🌞 Good Afternoon, 🌍 Congratulations, 🙏 HaVe A GrEaT DaY! #GreAt_PhotOs, 👍 #Amazing_Work, #GreAt_LeAdeR 👏
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Giving our police wanding powers would deter the carrying of knives and can therefore reduce knife crime. ... See MoreSee Less
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Yes