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Still No Plan For Fishing Future

Gippsland Province MLC Peter Hall says recreational and commercial fishermen have no reason to trust a government which does not have a long-term plan for the management of one of the most important fisheries in Victoria.

By Peter Hall - 17th August 2004 - Back to News

Mr Hall says he has waited almost two years for the Bracks Government to reveal their fishing policies for the Gippsland Lakes and other estuaries in the region.

"During the last election, The Nationals continually made the point that recreational anglers and commercial fishers face an uncertain future after the decision to buyout commercial fishing licences in Mallacoota and Lake Tyers," Mr Hall said.

"Labor, supported by Craig Ingram, made up that policy on the run, without any commitment to proper research or further investigations to check whether the reduction in commercial fishing would have any benefits whatsoever.

"As we’ve seen with the Marine Parks debacle, this government would rather shut things down than develop meaningful policies for sustainable use of natural resources.

"We are still facing problems in the bream fishery in the Gippsland Lakes and the government can’t keep on making up regulations without proper consultation or research."

Mr Hall said catch and size limits were only diverting attention from the real issues.

"Long-term water quality and environmental issues are at the core of this problem and we must do more research and fund strategies to protect and enhance the Gippsland Lakes and catchment," he said.

"I challenge the Bracks Government to undertake some long-term research and develop a strategy in consultation with all stakeholders to manage this fishery for the future.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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