Newsletter April 2007

Hi NPA~Marine Supporters,

Over the last couple of months we've been busy campaigning, holding events and activities and planning future directions of NPA~Marine.

As NPA celebrates it 50th year in 2007, it's a time for us to look back at what we have achieved and look forward to what we can achieve, with your support, over the coming years.

Read on for all the latest info from NPA~Marine. Use the links to browse our websites!

Marine Sanctuaries

Ministerial Changes

YOUR URGENT SUPPORT NEEDED TODAY!

This month saw landmark changes to marine parks and threatened species management offering a better chance at improved conservation of our Grey Nurse Sharks and other wildlife in NSW

The changes gave the NSW Environment Minister long sought-after independent control of environmental issues such as marine parks, aquatic threatened species and aquatic reserves. Previously Marine Parks responsibility was shared with the Minister for Primary Industries who also had sole responsibility for aquatic threatened species and aquatic reserves.

These changes follow constant criticism from environment groups over the last decade that the old arrangements failed the environment due to conflicts between government departments, environmental interests being overshadowed by industry interests and lack of enforcement on marine conservation.

The landmark improvements will help avoid conflicts of interest that occurred in the past when the ministers responsible also represented industry interests.

The changes are a great step towards healthier oceans for NSW

HOWEVER following the recent departure of one of the Premier's key advisors (as outlined in the Sydney Morning Herald on Sat 21 April) the changes look set to be reversed.

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO FILL OUT OUR ELOBBY FORM to help show your support for these landmark changes remaining.

Thanks to all those that have already sent faxes. A supporting elobby letter will further back up your support. Please take the time to include some personal notes at the end of the form. In particular, please reinforce that responsibility for ALL marine parks should remain with the Minister for Climate Change, Environment and Water since this is currently of key concern.

Sanctuaries Vision
Not only is 2007 the 50th anniversary of NPA, it's also the 10 year anniversary of the NSW Government's Marine Parks Act that our organisation helped lobby to get established.

With 6 NSW marine parks now created, and 6.5% of our oceans protected as sanctuary, some positive steps forward have been taken to look after our marine life.

However, as with all global marine ecosystems, NSW coastal waters remain vulnerable. They require a network of marine sanctuaries that are properly connected, replicated, sized and distributed to ensure a viable future for marine and coastal communities, economies, ecosystems and species.

We are still only part way to protecting our marine life. NPA~Marine looks forward to continuing the journey with your support.

Please visit the NPA~Marine homepage for the latest campaign developments!

HarbourKeepers & CoastKeepers

HarbourKeepers Wins Environment Award!
Congratulations to all HarbourKeepers volunteers!

HarbourKeepers won the Environment Award at the Sydney Harbour Week Awards in early March for its outstanding contribution to protecting and conserving Sydney Harbour's natural environment.

In a ceremony onboard the historic ship James Craig, Andrew Cox, Executive Officer of NPA. accepted the award on behalf of all our volunteers who have dedicated their time and skills to this innovative program.

TAFE course begins!
March the 24th was the first day of the inaugural HarbourKeepers & CoastKeepers Statement of Attainment in Marine and Coastal Conservation.

Provided by TAFE 15 students are gaining valuable skills in marine and coastal conservation.

This course will be run again in the spring semester 2007 so watch out for details on the HarbourKeepers and CoastKeepers websites

Jobs at NPA!

Marine Researcher
A new volunteer research position has arisen at NPA~Marine.
If you have good research and writing skills then you can help us update our website. The project would involve working with our marine team to collate existing information and reworking this to produce a more informative and easily navigable website.

No website programming experience required. Hours to suit.

Contact Nicky at marine@marine.org.au or 02 9299 0000 for more information. (You will be asked to provide a CV upon application).

NPA Fundraiser
NPA is still seeking a paid full-time fundraiser to oversee the key parts of its fundraising efforts. Based in Sydney this role is responsible for overseeing the major donors and bequest program, supporting staff in program areas raise targeted funds and overseeing general fundraising activities.

Previous experience in fundraising for the not-for-profit sector is highly desirable but not essential.

More information is available on the main NPA website

Join us!
Did you know that as an NPA~Marine member you can benefit from a whole range of discounts on products and services around NSW? You can also join our leading bushwalking program, receive our National Parks Journal and participate in our NPA Branch nights.

Member's can give a regular gift to support our marine conservation projects, or you may wish to simply make a one of donation to NPA~Marine as a Supporter.

Our donation/membership forms are available online on our membership page or you can simply call us on (02) 9299 0000

Thanks for your support

Nicky

Nicky Hammond
Marine Program Manager