Public consultation is now open on the future management of Australia’s Marine Parks, including the North-west and South-west marine park networks that cover Western Australian waters.
We know this comes at a challenging time for the commercial fishing industry. However, it’s important that fishers and others working on the water are aware of this consultation and take the opportunity to have their say.
The Director of National Parks is seeking feedback on:
- Six draft management plans covering 44 Australian Marine Parks across the North, North-west, South-west and Temperate East networks, as well as the Coral Sea Marine Park and a new standalone management plan for Norfolk Marine Park.
- Proposed boundary changes to the Norfolk, Lord Howe and Gifford Marine Parks.
The draft management plans have been developed following independent evaluations of the 2018 Australian Marine Parks management plans. Those evaluations, together with the feedback received during this consultation, will help shape how Australia’s marine parks are managed over the coming decade.
Submissions close at 4.00 pm AEST on Wednesday, 30 September 2026.
How to make a submission
Submissions can be lodged through the Department’s Have Your Say platform:
https://consult.dcceew.gov.au/
Relevant consultation pages:
- Six draft management plans for 44 Australian Marine Parks: https://consult.dcceew.gov.au/six-draft-mgt-plans-for-44-australian-marine-parks
- Proposed changes to the Norfolk, Lord Howe and Gifford Marine Parks: https://consult.dcceew.gov.au/proposed-changes-to-norfolk-park-lord-howe-and-gifford-marine-parks
The independent evaluations of the 2018 management plans, along with further information about the consultation and alternative submission methods, are available on the Australian Marine Parks website:
https://australianmarineparks.gov.au/management/consultations-reviews/review-2018-australian-marine-park-management-plans/
WAFIC will prepare an industry submission
WAFIC will be preparing a submission on behalf of the Western Australian commercial fishing industry.
If you have local knowledge, concerns or feedback that you believe should be reflected in WAFIC’s submission, we encourage you to get in touch. Input from commercial fishers and seafood businesses across the state will help ensure the submission reflects the practical experience of those who work on the water every day.
Questions about the consultation process can be directed to [email protected].