Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Peter Walsh MP

Labor’s Price Hikes have less, not more, Victorians Fishing

Target One Million program just isn’t working.

By Portal Admin - 5th May 2019 - Back to News

Reports today show the Andrews Government’s Target One Million program just isn’t working.

Instead of moving towards one million people fishing by 2020, the number of recreational fishers has sunk by 35,520 since Target One Million launched in 2015.

Figures from the Victorian Fisheries Authority show a 12 per cent drop in recreational fishing licence (RFL) sales, from 294,051 in 2015-16 to 258,531 in 2017-18.

It follows the Andrews Government’s up to 66 per cent hike in licence fees at July 1, 2016.

Today, the Andrews Government was in denial with Fishing and Boating Minister Jaala Pulford claiming the RFL figures are "not an accurate reflection of fishing participation".

But all anglers are legally required to have a licence while fishing, with exemptions only for people under 18 and over 70 years of age, for traditional owners, and for holders of some concession cards.

Comment attributable to Shadow Minister for Fishing and Boating Tim Bull

Labor’s wading around for excuses when it should be providing recreational fishers with an explanation on why it’s failing to deliver, despite spending $46 million.

For Jaala Pulford to question the accuracy of her own department’s figures shows just how desperate Labor is to hide the truth – Labor’s fishing license price hikes have caused Target One Million to flounder.

Recreational fishing provides so much both socially and economically for communities in Regional Victoria, but under Labor less, not more, Victorians are taking part.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: support@gippsland.com

• Have Your Say on Wonthaggi structure plan review aiming to guide growth, community needs and opportunities
  Bass Coast Shire Council is reviewing the Wonthaggi Structure Plan. Have your say on the town's growth, housing, jobs, heritage, and future opportunities to help shape Wonthaggi as Bass Coast regional hub.
• Have your say on key council plans, policies, and the future direction of South Gippsland through current engagement opportunities
  South Gippsland Shire Council invites community feedback on key draft plans, policies, and the 2026/27 Budget, with in-person engagement opportunities and "Coffee with a Councillor" sessions in October.
• Have your say on the 2027 transition to Pre-Prep and help shape early learning in South Gippsland
  South Gippsland Shire Council is seeking feedback from parents and carers to help shape how the Victorian government's 2027 Pre-Prep program is delivered locally to meet community needs.
• Have your say on the draft Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy balance road access, submit by 28 September 2025
  Baw Baw Shire Council invites feedback on its Draft Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy, aiming to balance vibrant business activity with safe pedestrian access. Consultation runs 29 August - 28 September on Baw Baw Connect.
• Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project begins, for safer, more accessible visitor experience from $9.6M shared investment
  Work has begun on the $9.6 million Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project, delivering staged upgrades to create a safer, more accessible, pedestrian-friendly destination while supporting businesses and preserving Cowes' vibrant visitor appeal.