THE ALP’s plans to create marine park lock-outs in and around Sydney will result in a massive anti-Labor campaign in the run-up to the March state election, angling groups have warned.
The annoucement last week by NSW Labor leader John Robertson that his party would create a marine park encompassing the entire Sydney region was greeted with anger and disbelief by NSW’s 1 million recreational anglers.
Robertson’s marine park plans would involve at least 20 per cent of the total area being closed to all fishing. Anglers are concerned these closures will see iconic locations such as Port Hacking, Botany Bay, the Georges River, the Harbour, the Parramatta River, the Lane Cove River, Middle Harbour, Long Reef, a variety of ocean beaches and headlands and Pittwater all being subjected to fishing bans.
It is understood that angling groups including Keep Australia Fishing, the Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation, the NSW Recreational Fishing Alliance, the Australian Fishing Trade Association and the Australian National Sportfishing Association are all gearing up to luanch co-ordinated campaigns against the Labor proposal.
Social media campaigns have already begun. From the various posts Fishing World has seen, there is a groundswell of anger and disquiet from the angling sector about the ALP’s lockout statements. It’s understood the boating sector is also extremely concerned about the economic impacts fishing bans in the Sydney region will have.
Apart from the anti-Labor push, there is also growing pressure on NSW Fisheries Minister Katrina Hodgkinson to immediately declare Sydney Harbour as a recreational fishing haven. Angling groups are also seeking committments from the NSW Government about continued access to fisheries within the Sydney region.
Fishing World is interviewing Labor’s environment spokesman Luke Foley about his party’s marine park plans next week. Stay tuned for more details on what Labor is planning.
Meanwhile, take the opportunity to let NSW Labor leader John Roberston know your feelings about his marine park plans. Mr Roberston’s email is: leader.opposition@parliament.nsw.gov.au.
Fisho will detail campaigns against Labor’s fishing bans as soon as the relevant info comes to hand. It goes without saying that a united front is vital if we are to succeed in opposing these unjustified lockouts …
