Vic fishing licence increases

The Victorian State Government has today (March 16) invited recreational fishers to have their say on proposed changes to Victoria’s recreational fishing licensing system.

Every cent from licence fees goes back into projects to improve recreational fishing opportunities. Indeed, the proposed licence fee changes are intended to boost recreational fishing opportunities in Victoria.

Another thing to consider is that having a greater stake in the fisheries means greater value and ownership and, well, more political clout.

Under the proposed changes, the price of recreational fishing licences will increase from July 1 this year, but Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford says the extra revenue generated will be spent on boosting recreational fishing.

"Extra revenue will increase fish stocking, improve boating facilities, create better access, commercial netting removal and help create a better fishing experience in more places," Ms Pulford said.

Recreational fishing licence fees have not increased since 2008 and since 1999 the price of a one-year licence has only increased from $20 to $24.50. That means two increases in 20 years of licencing, the Ministerial press release points out.

It is proposed that the current two-day licence ($6) will be replaced with a three-day licence for $10, and a 28-day licence will increase from $12 to $20.

A one-year licence will increase from $24.50 to $35, in line with the NSW licence fee, and a three-year licence will rise from $66 to $95.

If purchased online, the one and three year licences will be discounted to $33 and $90 respectively, and anglers will continue to receive a plastic licence in the mail, as they have since November 2015 when plastic licences were introduced.

There will be no changes to exemptions and children under-18 will continue to fish for free.

A five week public consultation period on the changes began today (March 16), with the release of a Regulatory Impact Statement and draft amendment regulations, which are available online along with more information about the changes.

"I am inviting fishers to have their say about how we can continue to boost recreational fishing," Ms Pulford said.

"By
improving fishing opportunities we will increase the number of
recreational fishers to one million, creating jobs, supporting local
businesses and strengthening our rural and regional communities."

Submissions close on 19 April, 2016. For more information, visit this Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence change page