I, the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, in pursuance of section 221IG of the Fisheries Management Act 1994, make the following interim Order.

Dated, this 17th day of December 2003.

IAN MICHAEL MACDONALD, M.L.C.,

Explanatory note

The aquatic ecological community in the natural drainage system of the lowland catchment of the Darling River is listed as an endangered ecological community under the Fisheries Management Act 1994 (the Act).

However, the Act enables the Minister to make an order authorising a class of persons to carry out an activity that may result in harm to an endangered species, population or ecological community or damage to its habitat. While such a proposed order is being assessed under the Act, the Minister may make an interim order lasting up to 6 months to allow an existing activity to be continued. The Act also provides for the remaking of an interim order.

The object of this interim Order is to remake the Fisheries Management (Continuation of Activities in the Lowland Darling River Catchment) Interim Order 2003 (which took effect on 4 July 2003 for a period of 6 months) to allow certain recreational and commercial fishing activities in the natural drainage system of the lowland catchment of the Darling River to continue for a further period of 6 months.

The activities the subject of this interim Order may only continue subject to compliance with any applicable fishing regulatory controls imposed by or under the Fisheries Management Act 1994.

The recommendation of the Fisheries Scientific Committee referred to in this interim Order is available for inspection at all NSW Fisheries Offices and on the Internet at www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au/fsc/recomend.htm.

This interim Order is made under section 221IG of the Fisheries Management Act 1994.