THE NSW fisheries minister, Katrina Hodgkinson, announced from Ballina today that a new advisory body, Recreational Fishing NSW, will be set up to replace the current Advisory Council on Recreational Fishing (ACORF).
Recreational Fishing NSW will provide more regionally focused support for the recreational fishing sector and provide independent advice to the Minister on key recreational fishing issues and management in NSW.
“The NSW Government is proud to support the recreational fishing industry, which generates about $1.6 billion expenditure into the NSW economy each year and creates the equivalent of about 14,000 full time jobs,” Ms Hodgkinson said.
“I have listened to recreational fishers who have requested changes to consultation arrangements for recreational fishing in NSW.
“Importantly, Recreational Fishing NSW will include eight regional members, and two members with expertise in spearfishing and charter boat fishing, all of whom will be selected by an Expression of Interest process, as well as an appointed independent Chairperson.”
The proposed eight regions will include; Mid and Far North Coast, Lower North Coast, Sydney and Central Coast, Illawarra, South Coast, Northwest Inland, Southwest Inland, Central and Southern Tablelands.
Recreational Fishing NSW will advise the Minister for Primary Industries on matters relating to recreational fishing in NSW, including policies and priorities for expenditure from the Recreational Fishing Trust.
“The current Advisory Council on Recreational Fishing has provided commendable service and advice to government on recreational fishing matters and I thank all of the current and past members for their efforts and significant service to the public,” Ms Hodgkinson said.
“Recreational Fishing NSW will be based around a modern representative model, ensuring the views of regional fishers from right across the State are heard.”
