VRFish announces election wishlist
Peak body reveals what Victorian recreational anglers want from the next state governmentVRFish, the recreational fishing peak body in Victoria, has publicly released its election wishlist "Growing recreational fishing in Victoria 2014-18", which identifies $32 million of future investment priorities for Victorian recreational fishing.
VRFish Chairman, Russell Conway said: “The wish list was developed through a two-year structured process with our State Council delegates across Victoria and via consultation with grassroots recreational fishers in Victoria.”
Commencing with a survey in 2013, VRFish broadly consulted with the recreational fishing community in the development of these priority policies.
"This blueprint is all about promoting the enormous public good in recreational fishing and is vital in maximising Government investment into key programs and service," Conway said.
Dallas D’Silva, VRFish General Manager, added: "Recreational fishing is vital to Victoria’s social and economic wellbeing. The economic contribution alone has been conservatively measured at $2.3 billion annually. The current $16 million Recreational Fishing Initiative delivered by the Coalition, which VRFish was instrumental in advocating for, has provided many lasting benefits and we sincerely thank them for this commitment. The previous Labor Government demonstrated a similar level of commitment to recreational fishing and many of these benefits remain visible today."
"There is much work still to be done and a new initiative is vital if Victoria is to continue to provide a diverse array of high quality fishing experiences over the next four years and beyond," D'Silva added.
"Priority areas include strengthening co-management and fisheries governance, a trial of recreational fishing in select marine parks, enhancing fish stocking and habitat management and ensuring water is allocated to secure our premier stocked fisheries. Other priorities include addressing our long-held concerns about some forms of commercial netting in bays and inlets. We congratulate the Coalition for their foresight and commitment to address
our concerns in Port Phillip Bay and the Gippsland Lakes."
To see a full copy of the wishlist click here
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