Dear Beagle Editor,
No wonder politicians are on the nose with most Australians. The shock decision of the NSW Minister for Agriculture (at the behest of our local member Andrew Constance) to open up some of the Batemans Marine Park sanctuaries to recreational fishing has people angry, puzzled and cynical.
At Broulee’s Art on the Path on Sunday the vast majority of people were opposed to the Minister’s decision. Typical comments were “ When did this happen?”, “Why weren’t we consulted”, “I’m furious about this!”, “Why do this?” and “You can’t trust any politician?”
People were coming up to Nature Coast Marine Group’s table asking to sign the petition objecting to the decision. 175 names were added in less than 4 hours, of these 72 said they were recreational fishers.
There are legal processes underway to review the zoning of the Marine Park but the politicians chose to use a loophole, an amnesty, to avoid having to do the required two months public consultation. Little wonder people have such poor opinions of our governments.
Jenny Edwards
Mossy Point
