Summary meeting minutes of the Marine Estate Management Authority.

Meeting date: 8 June 2023

Attendance

Authority members or their nominees in attendance were:

• Chair, Marine Estate Management Authority (Dr Russell Reichelt AO FTSE)
• Anthea Tinney PSM, Chair, Marine Estate Expert Knowledge Panel
• A/Deputy Secretary, Department of Planning and Environment – Environment and Heritage Group
• A/Executive Director, Department of Planning and Environment – Planning
• Deputy Director General, Department of Primary Industries – Fisheries
• A/Director, Maritime and Transport Safety Strategy, standing in for Chief, Centres for Road Safety and Maritime Safety, Transport for NSW

The Authority considered a range of matters at the meeting including those summarised below.

New Government and Ministers

The Authority discussed the new Government and the newly appointed Ministers with responsibility for the NSW marine estate, Minister Sharpe and Minister Moriarty. The Chair noted he is keen to meet with the Ministers and has written to initiate a meeting at the earliest convenience.

Marine Integrated Monitoring Program

The Authority noted the progress on the ‘light-touch’ 5-year review of the statewide Threat and Risk Assessment for the marine estate, with a workshop scheduled for June 28.

Marine Estate Management Strategy Implementation

Progress on planning for the mid-term evaluation of the Marine Estate Management Strategy (Strategy) is progressing, with data collation a current priority. The evaluation, to commence on 1 July 2023 will assess whether outcomes have been achieved after 5 years, and advise on progress toward the 10 year outcomes. It will also evaluate process and economic efficiencies.

Marine park management planning

The Authority noted the Network Management Plan for Mainland Marine Parks, drafted following extensive consultation in 2021 and 2022, is progressing to the new Government for consideration.

Work continues on the development of a management plan for Lord Howe Island Marine Park. A Literature Review of Social, Economic and Cultural Information for Lord Howe Island Marine Park was considered and endorsed by the Authority.

Next meeting

The next meeting of the Authority is scheduled for September 2023.