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Minister announces terms of reference for the VEAC investigation into marine parks
Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith today tabled in Parliament the final Terms-of-Reference for the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) investigation into Victoria's existing marine parks and other marine protected areas.
Mr Smith said the examination into the outcomes from the establishment of existing marine parks was a key election commitment for the Coalition Government.
"The need for this investigation by VEAC was further highlighted by the March 2011 Auditor-General's report, which exposed the previous government as a dismal manager of Victoria's marine Parks finding 'systemic weaknesses with planning, program management and resource allocation that need to be addressed'," Mr Smith said.
The tabling of these documents follows a consultation process through which 51 public submissions were received in response to the draft Terms-of-Reference proposed on 19 August 2011.
"Under the Terms-of-Reference tabled in Parliament today, VEAC will examine the outcomes of existing marine protected areas and identify any ongoing threats to the way these areas are managed," Mr Smith said.
"We know Victorians love their marine parks and so we are making sure our approach to the way we manage and protect our marine parks is effective and relevant.
"VEAC will be able to advise the Victorian Government on how these areas can be better managed."
The marine protected areas were established to protect a representative sample of Victoria's unique marine environment. They cover 11 per cent of the state's marine areas along the Victorian coast.
As part of the investigation, VEAC will hold three public submission periods and will prepare a discussion paper as well as a draft proposals paper.
VEAC must report on the completed investigation by February 2014 and present its recommendations to the Government for response.
Attached Terms-of-reference
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