Joint media release: More protection for Australia's precious ocean
MP, Member for Bean The Albanese Government is protecting more ocean, and the species which call it home, through a proposed expansion of the existing marine parks around Lord Howe and Norfolk Islands off Australia’s east coast. The proposed expansions would bring an additional 671,500 square kilometres of Australia’s waters under high protection, meaning that they are strict ‘no-take’ zones intended to conserve marine biodiversity.
The proposed expansions would mean the Albanese Government will reach its commitment to highly protect 30 percent of Australia’s ocean well ahead of its 2030 target. The proposed expansions have the support of, and respond to requests from, the Norfolk and Lord Howe Island communities for greater local ocean protection. Norfolk and Lord Howe marine parks are ecologically significant, supporting a mix of temperate and tropical marine habitats, and are important biodiversity corridors in the South-west Pacific for migratory seabirds, cetaceans, fish and sharks.
The proposed expansion is part of ongoing work to draft six new management plans for 44 Australian Marine Parks, which cover 2.37 million square kilometres of ocean – an area larger than Queensland and New South Wales combined. The Plans will look at how the parks can be best managed into the future. The new plans cover the Temperate East, South-west, North-west and North marine parks networks as well as the Coral Sea Marine Park, along with the stand-alone management plan for Norfolk Marine Park.
From today, Australians can have their say on the plan, including where higher ocean protection should be and why, and what activities are acceptable in marine parks. Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt said Australian Marine Parks play a valuable role in protecting our marine ecosystems. “Protecting our ocean ensures it continues to thrive into the future, which is critical for the survival of threatened species, our coastal communities, our tourism industry, and also our fishing industry which rely on healthy catch and ecosystems.
“In Australian waters more than half of our maritime jurisdiction is now protected through our marine parks network, including 2.2 million square kilometres in highly protected areas, and that number continues to grow. “Since 2022, the Albanese Government has increased the areas of Australian waters that are highly protected by 490,000 square kilometres, and today’s announcement of another 671,500 square kilometres is a really significant achievement.
“This is in line with the wishes of local people, and we’re really pleased to bring this submission to the table. “I’d encourage those with an interest to contribute to the public consultation process on this, and other marine park reviews around the country.” Member for Sydney, Tanya Plibersek said Lord Howe Island is an extraordinary and unique part of our planet.
“The proposed expansion of the Lord Howe Island Marine Park would be a huge environmental win for Lord Howe Island, and a huge environmental win for the world. “I encourage all Islanders to have their say as part of this process.” Member for Bean, David Smith said this is a significant moment for the greater protection of Norfolk Island’s wonderful marine environment and all involved should be congratulated.
“This is a win for the community and a win for our oceans and I thank the local Fishing Association, the Flora and Fauna Association and those that operate tours and research on the reef for their engagement to get this outcome. “It is also good to see that the Norfolk Island Park will have a stand-alone management plan. This acknowledges the stewardship and connection to the ocean for the Islanders and will allow management that is fit for purpose.” Public consultation on the preparation of new management plans, and the proposed changes to Norfolk and Lord Howe marine parks, is open until 4pm AEST 30 September 2026 through the Have Your Say portal at consult.dcceew.gov.au Comments received will inform preparation of the draft management plans, which are expected to be released for further public consultation in 2027, and final expansion proposals for Norfolk and Lord Howe marine parks.
The fishing industry will also be consulted directly about fishing business assistance measures ahead of new management arrangements coming into effect through these processes. Maps of the proposed expansions are available here: We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.