JUNE 1997 NEWSLETTER

MINISTER CALLS FOR INPUT ON MARINE PLAN

Australia's first National Marine Science and Technology Plan moved a step closer to realisation with the release of a Scoping Paper for the plan by Science and Technology Minister, Peter McGauran.

The Paper, prepared by the Marine Science and Technology Working Group, outlines the Plan's intended goals, content and area of focus, and invites comment and submissions from the general public and professional groups. "This document presents the range of issues we face in ensuring we make the best use of our marine resources," Mr McGauran said.

"Our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the continental shelf beyond it, have the potential to generate between $50 and $80 billion per annum by the year 2020. Harnessing marine science, technology and engineering to projects that are in the national interest is our means of realising that potential.

"We cannot squander the opportunity to develop our resources in an ecologically sustainable fashion for the benefit of future generations. To achieve sustainability, we need to recognise and minimise human impacts our marine environment. To ensure the Plan addresses this concern, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Tom Hundloe to the Working Group," Mr McGauran said.

Professor Hundloe is an economist specialising in ecological matters. He is currently Director of the University of Queensland's Technology Management Centre, and the Chair of the Wet Tropics Management Authority. He is also author of a number of relevant studies.

Mr McGauran said consultation was crucial to the Plan's effective preparation and implementation and urged all interested parties to provide input on the Scoping Paper. The Marine S&T Plan will form an integral part of the Government's Oceans Policy, being developed under the guidance of Environment Minister, Senator Robert Hill.