LOCAL COMMUNITY SOCIAL IMPACT SURVEY AND RESULTS CONDUCTED AT PORT VICTORIA OCTOBER, 2012 ( MARINE PARK 11).

This survey was conducted over a two week period in the township of Port Victoria, to try and measure social attitudes to the introduction of marine parks upon the community. The participants were randomly invited to Have Your Say at the caravan park office, the two local shops, and at the boat ramp, in an attempt to cover a broad spectrum of the community and both tourists and residents alike. The design of the questionnaire was to try and ensure an unbiased approach. To accommodate this approach, a selection of Government statements, assertions and expectations of the marine park social impacts, were used. The number of questions were restricted to 15 (one page), to try and ensure an increased participation rate. Each participant was advised that their completed document was to be submitted to Government as an individual statement on the proposed marine park. Of the 173 questionnaires distributed, 127 were completed and returned. The respondents were; 60 residents, 62 tourists, 5 general interest The results tabulated below, clearly indicate that the local community members attitudes are TOTALLY at ODDS with the Square Holes market research conducted by the Government 2006 to 2012 which states 85% of South Australians are in favor of marine parks (RIS page xi ). The local community are in favor of conservation (60.6 %), however a significant number question or disagree that it is required at this point in time. They strongly disagree (77.1 %) that the introduction of marine parks is the best management tool to protect the marine environment. They strongly disagree with the communication process of the Government ( 66 % ) and also with the supposed Science referred to by the Government ( 90 %). They are unconvinced of the social benefits of a marine park as touted by the Government, and are NOT prepared to take ownership and assist in the compliance of a marine park ( 86.6 %).

TEMPLATE USED FOR SURVEY SUBMISSION TO THE GOVERNMENT re MARINE PARK IMPLIMENTATION AND MANAGEMENT PLAN MARINE PARK 11 Eastern Spencer Gulf NAME.. ADDRESS. Resident 1. Tourist General Interest

Conservation is essential to protect the marine environment Agree 77 disagree 37 unsure 13

2.

Marine Parks are the best tool to protect the marine environment Agree 13 disagree 98 unsure 16

3.

Marine parks will improve the quality of life to our community Agree 7 disagree 109 unsure 11

4.

Marine parks will help preserve Aboriginal culture and heritage Agree 11 disagree 96 unsure 20

5.

DENWR has consulted with local communities at all times during the process Agree 10 disagree 84 unsure 33

6.

Interstate and overseas data on marine parks proves marine parks will work here Agree 4 disagree 97 unsure 26

7.

The public has been made fully aware of the science of marine parks Agree 3 disagree 114 unsure 10

8.

Tourist numbers to local communities will increase because there is a marine park Agree 2 disagree 122 unsure 3

9.

House values and purchase demand will increase because there is a marine park Agree 1 disagree 122 unsure 4

10.

Business opportunities will increase because there is a marine park Agree 1 disagree 122 unsure 4

11.

Employment opportunities will increase because there is a marine park Agree 1 disagree 116 unsure 10

12.

There will be a reduction in recreational and commercial fishing if there is a marine park Agree 116 disagree 5 unsure 6

13.

The marine park will divide the community into For and Against the park Agree 107 disagree 8 unsure 12

14.

The marine park will be a source of pride to this community Agree 4 disagree 109 unsure 14

15.

I am prepared to take ownership and assist in the compliance (policing) of this marine park Agree 6 disagree 110 unsure 11

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