THE NEW South Wales government has ruled out any expansion of cruise ship tourism in the Jervis Bay Marine Park, a protected area on the state’s south coast.
The decision is to ensure the protection of the park’s important natural and social values, the state government said.
The former state government had reportedly planned to consider the possibility for cruise ships to anchor and potentially tender to shore in the Jervis Bay Marine Park, but this latest move effectively shuts the door on that proposal, the current government confirming it “will not happen”.
Minister for the environment, Penny Sharpe joined member for the South Coast Liza Butler to meet members of the local community who have campaigned to protect the marine park and its fragile environment from cruise ship visitation.
South coast community members and environmental groups voiced serious concerns about potential impacts on water quality, habitats, aquaculture and social values if the proposed cruise activities were allowed to proceed.
The state government confirmed cruise ships will still be permitted to enter Jervis Bay in an emergency, subject to obtaining a marine park permit.
Minister for the environment, Penny Sharpe said, “Following strong advocacy from the south coast community, the NSW Government has made the decision to rule out any plans to make the Jervis Bay Marine Park a port for cruise ships”.
“The risk of environmental damage is just too high, and we thank locals for their many years of campaigning to protect this marine wonder.”
The government says other recommendations made in the draft NSW Mainland Marine Park Network Management Plan are still being considered, stating the plan will be announced “within months”.
The NSW government said it recognises and values the contribution a thriving cruise ship industry makes to regional economies and communities, but that it must be balanced with protecting the country’s marine biodiversity and local community values.
Jervis Bay Marine Park is home to marine life such as seals, penguins, seabirds, dolphins, as well as migrating whales that drop by during their annual journey along the coast.
The marine park covers approximately 215 square kilometres, and spans over 100 kilometres of coastline and adjacent oceanic, embayment, and estuarine waters.
