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NEWS
Labour Government fast-tracks Marine Reserves
Anglers' pleas for more consultation fall on deaf earsThe Federal Government has dodged questions from Coalition Fisheries spokesman Richard Colbeck -- and pleas from angling lobby groups -- about calls for an extension to the public-consultation period for Australia's massive marine-reserve network.
In Senate estimates, Senator Colbeck asked if the Government had heeded calls for an extension. This was particularly in light of difficulties faced by anglers and commercial operators in flood and storm hit areas of the east coast.
An officer from the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (SEWPaC) said he was aware of press releases and media reports, but the matter was not being given active consideration by the Gillard Government.
Asked specifically about the Commonwealth Fisheries Association or the Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation, the officer said he was not immediately aware and would take the question on notice.
Senator Colbeck says this it just another indication of a government which seemed oblivious to deep concerns by operators and anglers about the massive marine parks lock-out.
“The Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation received a reply from SEWPaC on January 31, dismissing its call for an extension to the February 14 deadline,” he said.
“Minister Burke had not even bothered to respond to them himself.”
“Just 30 days to consider a massive lock-up of Australian waters while, for some, trying to cope with catastrophic weather events. And the Government’s response to this is that it is ‘not immediately’ aware of anglers concerns?
“That’s just not good enough.
“Environment Minister Tony Burke’s show-and-tell consultation process on marine parks has been appalling and it is no wonder anglers are starting to mobilise in protest against him,” Colbeck said.
The processes are laughable and this outgoing Labour Government's legacy will leave deep scars on many of the 4-5 million anglers in this country who have been denied their fishing dream. See www.keepaustraliafishing.com.au.
Photos courtesy of Nomad Charters, an adventure sportfishing business that will be impacted by the imminent marine reserves.
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Written byBoatsales Staff
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