Our harbour is the heart of our city and our beaches are a source of inspiration, but they are under mounting pressure.

Pollution, inappropriate coastal development, increasing population and climate change are taking a toll. Plastic pollution is choking our waterways and harming our wildlife, and in the past few years coral bleaching reached Sydney Harbour for the first time. A history of overuse and abuse has harmed our region — we have a long way to restore it to health. 

Our greatest natural asset is under stress. A marine park protected with sanctuaries would be like a national park for protecting marine wildlife and habitats from the pressures our city brings. Our waters deserve the enhanced status and resources needed to manage the range of threats that they face.