Dear Honourable Minister Moore,

I am writing you regarding the postponement of signing the Geographe Bay/ Leeuwin-Naturaliste/ Hardy Inlet Marine Park (Cape to Cape) management plan into law. While I understand the governmentвs desire to make sure all stakeholders are satisfied, I am disappointed that the proposed marine park has been postponed. The plan has undergone a long and thorough process of stakeholder participation, scientific survey, and government involvement and was ready to be implemented as of October 2008.

The Cape to Cape region is valuable not only for its natural beauty, but also for its strong economic input from tourism and the major vineyard industry. In order for this region to benefit the people, businesses, and government in the long term, all possible effort should be directed towards sustainable development. If the government succeeds in developing the region intelligently and sustainably, future generations can benefit from the riches of the region.

Gazettal and proper management of the Cape to Cape marine park is extremely important for both present and future use. International and national research from marine protected areas show that fish catches in the region may be larger and more sustainable. Tourists will flock to see the thriving and healthy marine life and we as Australians will be able to take pride in the fact that we are both protecting and wisely using one of the most striking coastlines in the world in a sustainable and respectful manner. I urge you to sign off on the Geographe Bay/ Leeuwin-Naturaliste/ Hardy Inlet Marine Park (Cape to Cape) management plan in its present form.