Friday, March 29, 2024
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Progress made on netting bans for Port Phillip Bay

THE Australian Fishing Trade Association (AFTA) has welcomed the actions of Victoria’s Andrews Government in honouring its election commitment to stop commercial netting in Port Phillip Bay.

AFTA national and state representatives met with Fisheries Minister Jaala Pulford last week to discuss the Government’s policies on recreational fishing.

“We were encouraged with the progress already made by the Minister and her team on removing netters in Port Phillip Bay. We expressed the view that we would like to see netters removed from the Bay as soon as possible, rather than the eight years stated in the Government’s election platform. We were pleased when the Minister said that she would closely consider our proposal.” Said Allan Hansard, Chief Executive of AFTA.

“The meeting also gave us a chance to discuss some of the other policy initiatives of the Government for recreational fishing. The Government’s quick action to supply water to Toolondo, progress on stocking barramundi into Hazelwood pondage and a trout cod fishery in Beechworth is great news and shows the Government has hit the ground running.” Said Pat Levy, AFTA Director.

“It is clear that the Government recognises the broad ranging benefits of recreational fishing to the Victorian community. Their objective of having 1 million recreational fishers in Victoria by 2020 will increase these benefits significantly. In addition, their plans to establish a statutory authority to manage Victoria’s fisheries will ensure genuine and unprecedented representation for Victoria’s recreational fishing community, including recreational fishers, the fishing tackle sector and the boating sector.’ Said Steve Threlfall, AFTA Director.

“We look forward to working constructively with the Minister and her team in implementing their Target One Million plan for Victoria’s recreational fishers” Mr Hansard concluded.

The Government’s Target One Million plan can be found at: http://www.danielandrews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Labors-Plan-for-One-Million-Recreational-Fishers1.pdf

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