The NSW Government must heed new research confirming strong public support for marine reserves, according to the Nature Conservation Council of NSW.
Polling released this week by Essential Media Communications has confirmed overwhelming support for the marine reserves recently announced for Australia’s Commonwealth waters.
With a sample size of 1000, the poll conducted on 20 and 24 June has shown a total of 70% support for the marine reserves, with just 13% disapproval.
"Protection of our oceans and marine life is an issue close to the hearts of many Australians," said Pepe Clarke, Chief Executive Officer of the Nature Conservation Council of NSW.
"The federal government's announcement that it intends to establish the world's largest network of marine parks has clearly struck a chord with the Australian community.
"It is time for the NSW Government to follow suit, by exercising leadership on marine conservation in state waters.
"The NSW Government must lift its ill-conceived moratorium on marine parks, and take urgent action to improve protection for our marine life, including the critically endangered grey nurse shark," said Mr Clarke.
The polling question was:
Q. The Federal Government recently announced plans to protect large areas of Australia’s marine environment in a network of marine reserves. Do you approve or disapprove of these plans?
Among Coalition voters, 62% of respondents either strongly approved or approved, with just 22% disapproving. Among Labor voters, 79% of respondents either strongly approved or approved, with just 8% disapproving. Greens voters were most supportive, with 89% supporting and 1% disapproving.
The report, which also outlines the polling methodology, can be found online at www.essentialvision.com.au.
