Commercial and recreational fishers are demanding the state government get on with its review of the Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park without further delay.
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It follows increasing tensions about the marine park's management in recent years.
Former Primary Industries Minister Niall Blair committed to the review prior to the March state election in response to a vocal community campaign.
Port Stephens commercial fishing operator Greg Finn said the commercial operators and the community were frustrated by the lack of action on the review.
"I think everyone has been understanding, however, a promise is a promise and we know in politics talk is cheap," he said.
"Why should dysfunctional bureaucrats dictate future planning and investment that is so dependant on fishing and tourism within The Port Stephens Great Lakes Marine Park?"
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Mr Finn said the resources needed to make merit -based changes based on scientific and anecdotal evidence were already available.
It's time to make it happen. Stakeholder groups want it done," he said.
The review was also listed for action in last week's state budget papers but without a time frame.
Among the issues that stakeholders are keen to review are the sanctuary zones, which make up 17.3 per cent of the park.
The government is presently conducting a review of the Batemans Marine Park, which will serve as a pilot for the Port Stephens-Great Lakes review.
A spokesman for new agriculture minister Adam Marshall told the Newcastle Herald that the review would be done "as soon as possible."
"Preparatory works are presently underway to clarify the scope and time frame for the review," he said.