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Public Misses Out If Commercial Fishing BannedPlans to ban netting by commercial fishermen in Western Port and other parts of the State could deny people the opportunity of purchasing fresh, local fish right across the State, according to The Nationals. By Peter Hall - 18th October 2007 - Back to News The Nationals Resources and Environment spokesperson Peter Hall attempted to water down legislation to ban netting in Western Port, based on the figures which show commercial and recreational fishing can comfortably co-exist in many areas.
Mr Hall expressed his disappointment that all other parties had meekly ‘rolled over’ in the face of a Government decision to ban netting in Western Port, when the Government’s own figures had shown that the catch had not decreased at all in the last six years.
He also said the action would put at risk the availability of fresh fish to the general public.
"One of the great attractions of going to a coastal area of Victoria is to sample local product," Mr Hall told Parliament. "Who would not go to Lakes Entrance and buy fish and chips? Who would not go to Welshpool or Corner Inlet and buy fish and chips?
"The attraction of travelling to Lorne or Apollo Bay or Warrnambool is that you can purchase local product. It is the same with restaurants along the Mornington Peninsula, the Bellarine Peninsula and all along the coastal areas. You go there and look for local product on the menu.
"(But) in places like Mallacoota, for example, where the government compulsorily closed down commercial netting, there is no local product available for purchase.
"I make the claim that once we close commercial netting in Western Port you will not be able to go to places like San Remo, Cowes, Hastings, Flinders or any of the other communities around the coastal areas of Western Port and purchase locally caught product.
"There will be an impact on businesses such as those in the restaurant and hospitality industry. The tourism industry will also suffer because of the lack of opportunity to supply fresh food and attract people.
"Moreover, the alarming thing is what will happen if this trend continues. It was only a little over 12 months ago that we saw a compulsory closure of commercial fishing in Lake Tyers in Gippsland and also at Mallacoota Inlet. Now we are seeing it being closed in Western Port bay. What will be next?"
Mr Hall quoted from Government sources in regard to fish numbers in Western Port, which demonstrated that fish numbers were not at risk from commercial fishing.
"I refer to a document, produced by the government, by the Department of Primary Industries, entitled Fisheries Victoria Commercial Fish Production Information Bulletin, published in November 2006.
"King George whiting is a very popular species in Western Port. The figures show the actual (commercial) take of whiting from Western Port over the last six years.
"In 1999-2000 the take was 12 tonnes of King George whiting; currently it is 11 tonnes. If you look at the figures throughout you can see that they have been very consistent over that period of time. In 1999-2000 the total catch (commercial and recreational) out of Western Port was 62 tonnes; it is now 56 tonnes. There has been very little variation."
Mr Hall said the information on snapper showed a similar trend.
He quoted the Fisheries Co-Management Council 2005-06 annual report, which said: In the past few years anecdotal information suggests that anglers in Port Phillip Bay and Western Port bay have experienced the best snapper fishing for decades.’’
Mr Hall added: "It goes on to say: ‘... the estimated total recreational snapper catch taken from Victorian waters was about 475 000 fish that weighed 330 tonnes. In 2000-01 the total reported Victorian catch was 74 tonnes."
Mr Hall said with just 74 tonnes taken commercially, as opposed to 330 tonnes in an estimated recreational take, less than a quarter of snapper are caught commercially.
"If the fisheries are booming in Western Port, as stated by the co-management council, and if the commercial catch is only about a quarter of that taken by recreational fishers, I again make the claim that the removal of commercial netting from Western Port would have no significant impact on fish resources or resource management in Western Port."
Mr Hall said the Government’s decision was not based on scientific grounds, but was "ideological, philosophical and political opportunism."
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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Sandy Point and Loch Sport Men's Sheds have received over $43,000 in state funding to upgrade facilities, recognising their vital role in supporting men's wellbeing and community connection. - Baw Baw Shire Council information session on Warragul and Drouin Development Contributions Plans review on 12 December 2025
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Labor, backed by the Greens and minor parties, blocked Nationals and Liberals legislation to ban protest face coverings, which Melina Bath said betrayed police, small businesses, and public safety across Victoria. - Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving, preventing East Gippsland ratepayers covering government shortfalls
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving Victoria, warning councils face doubled contributions while new Emergency Services levy strains East Gippsland and Wellington budgets. - Construction begins on Western Park Oval 2 Pavilion, including new curator shed and upgraded female-friendly facilities
Construction has started on Western Park Oval 2 Pavilion, beginning with a new curator shed, supporting local sports growth, female-friendly facilities, and community recreation, funded by Council and a government grant. - Melina Bath statement wishes year 12 students across Eastern Victoria success in exams and future endeavours
Melina Bath wishes all Year 12 students in eastern Victoria good luck for exams, encouraging pride in achievements, resilience, and success in future studies, work, or apprenticeships. - Interim report calls for flexible childcare system, improved regional access and supports for families across all service types in Gippsland
Victoria’s childcare inquiry interim report urges stronger child safety, improved regulation, workforce standards and better regional access across the early childhood education sector. - Danny O’Brien warns 33 percent crime rise highlights Gippsland commuters’ safety concerns, lacking adequate PSO protection
Crime on Gippsland public transport has risen nearly 33% in 12 months, raising concerns about PSO coverage and regional commuter safety under the Allan Labor government. - Gippsland Water urges customers to include alternate water sources in bushfire plans during fire danger period
Gippsland Water urges customers to include alternate water sources in bushfire plans, store emergency drinking water, and follow CFA advice during the Fire Danger Period from 27 October to 1 May 2026. - Gippsland Water’s mobile trailer supports community events while promoting health, sustainability and reducing single-use plastic
Gippsland Water’s mobile water trailer supports community events, providing free drinking water, promoting healthy choices, reducing single-use plastics, and enhancing public and environmental health across the region in 2026. - Darren Chester secures 2M for Western Lakes Entrance upgrades underway, new pathway and safety improvements to benefit all users
Safety upgrades on Lakes Entrance western approach are progressing, with a new pathway, improved barriers, and intersection works set to benefit motorists, pedestrians, and visitors before the Christmas peak. - Danny O’Brien denounces Port Welshpool Coastguard funding snub despite 25-year-old vessel and critical rescue role
Danny O’Brien criticised the state government for overlooking Port Welshpool Coastguard, leaving its 25-year-old vessel unreliable, and urged clarity and reconsideration of funding decisions for critical local rescue services. - Tim Bull urges local clubs to apply for the Sporting Club Grants Program supporting volunteers, equipment, and program delivery by 26 November 2025
Tim Bull encourages Gippsland East sporting clubs to apply for the Sporting Club Grants Program by 26 November 2025, supporting uniforms, equipment, volunteers, events, travel, and governance development. - Darren Chester urges Gippslanders to support local growers, highlighting family-owned 'Get Fresh Gippsland' business
Darren Chester is urging Gippslanders to support local growers this Christmas, highlighting family-run Get Fresh Gippsland for supplying fresh, locally grown produce while strengthening the regional economy.
- Darren Chester supports reforming the Coalition to unite Liberals and Nationals and deliver stronger government for Australia
Darren Chester welcomes the re-formed Coalition, united to hold Labor to account, focus on cost of living, families, regions and security, and develop sensible policies for a safer, stronger, fairer Australia. - From Job expos to farms and sports awards connecting communities across East Gippsland through events and advocacy
From jobs expos to farm visits, sports awards, and community projects, recent weeks highlighted East Gippsland's talent, resilience, and collaboration, advocacy, and opportunities that strengthen local communities. - Danny O’Brien condemns sudden AKD Yarram timber mill closure, 73 jobs lost, pledges support for affected community
Gippsland South MP Danny O’Brien says sudden AKD Yarram timber mill closure, costing 73 jobs, devastates the community, pledging support for affected families, workers, and local businesses during this crisis. - Darren Chester urges Gippslanders to support local businesses this Christmas, boosting jobs and celebrating regional products
Federal Member Darren Chester urges Gippslanders to support local businesses this Christmas, boosting jobs, celebrating regional produce, and helping small enterprises like Sale’s "Love in a Jar" thrive across the community. - Tim Bull says Victoria can’t manage current parks, criticising government plans to further expand network
Tim Bull says expanding Victoria’s national parks is irresponsible, arguing existing parks are neglected, understaffed and overrun by pests, weeds and feral animals, with reduced funding making effective land management increasingly impossible. - East Gippsland Council launches Buy Local campaign to support businesses, jobs, and community vibrancy this festive season and summer
East Gippsland Shire Council has launched the Buy Local campaign, encouraging residents to support local businesses, strengthen jobs, and keep the community vibrant throughout the festive season and beyond. - Discover Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest with nature, water fun, walks, and local gems
Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest offers swimming, walking trails, and camping, with nearby pubs, breweries, and attractions providing a perfect Gippsland getaway for nature, adventure, and local experiences. - Discover Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest with nature, water fun, walks, and local gems
Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest offers swimming, walking trails, and camping, with nearby pubs, breweries, and attractions providing a perfect Gippsland getaway for nature, adventure, and local experiences. - Melina Bath invites local community and sporting clubs to apply for Regional All Abilities Grants by 19 November 2025
Melina Bath encourages regional clubs to apply for 2025 Regional All Abilities Participation Grants, supporting inclusive programs, specialised equipment, workforce, and disability-led initiatives. Applications close 19 November 2025. - Martin Cameron supports Tee Up for Mental Health Golf Day raising vital funds for Lifeline and Rotary
More than 150 golfers joined the Tee Up for Mental Health Golf Day in Traralgon, raising a record $30,000 for Lifeline Gippsland and Rotary's local mental health initiatives. - Gippsland Water launches Community Emergency Support Team to assist and support locals during emergencies
Gippsland Water has launched a Community Emergency Support Team to provide safe water, information, and local assistance during bushfires, floods, storms, and power outages, working alongside emergency services and communities. - Darren Chester urges Gippslanders to support local artisans, makers, and small businesses this holiday season
Federal Member Darren Chester encourages Gippslanders to shop local this Christmas, supporting artisans, makers, and small businesses like Emporium 3844, boosting the regional economy and celebrating community talent.
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