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Cameron aquaculture back-flip too late for many

Agriculture Minister Bob Cameron should resign after finally admitting he was wrong to implement the exorbitant aquaculture license fees which sent more than half of the industry out of business.

By Philip Davis - 30th September 2005 - Back to News

Shadow Minister for Agriculture Philip Davis said he was pleased Bob Cameron had finally admitted his new fee structure was unsustainable, but the industry could have been saved if Mr Cameron recognised his mistakes 18 months earlier.

"The Bracks Government’s ridiculous license fees have devastated many in the aquaculture industry," he said.

"License fee re-structures resulted in more than half of Victoria’s aquaculture industry shutting up shop, while 80 per cent of yabby farmers have ceased operations.

"Bob Cameron even revoked the recognised peak body status of the Victorian Aquaculture Council (VAC), which is provided for in the Fisheries Act, because the VAC stood up for the rights of aquaculture growers."

Mr Davis said the fact the Fisheries Management Service levies had been reduced by up to 97 per cent proved Bob Cameron had ridiculously overpriced the levy in 2004.

The total levies have been reduced by up to 87.3 per cent.

"Time and time again, the Liberal Party warned Bob Cameron his exorbitant fees would drive aquaculture businesses out of the industry, but he refused to listen," Mr Davis said.

"The VAC attempted to represent its growers and highlighted the problems to the Minister - but again he thought he knew better.

"Bob Cameron’s complete arrogance on this issue has resulted in the destruction of Victoria’s aquaculture industry.

"I just hope that now Bob Cameron has seen sense, the industry can be re-built."

Mr Davis said he hoped Bob Cameron had learned his lesson and would communicate more with the industry in the future.

"No-one knows the aquaculture industry better than those involved in it," Mr Davis said.

"Bob Cameron must put his aside his arrogance and do the industry a favour and get out of the way."

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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