NSW government makes U-turn over marine park sanctuary zones

Coalition's backdown follows reversals on stadiums, greyhounds, council amalgamations and emergency services levy

The New South Wales government has performed yet another about-face, ditching a proposed ban on fishing at 25 "no take" sanctuary zones in a proposed marine park stretching between Newcastle and Wollongong.

Just weeks after the government announced the plan to create the Sydney region marine park, the primary industries minister, Niall Blair, backed down on Monday after sustained opposition from the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers party.