AFTA Chairs Report March 2023

NSW Election

The NSW election is on 25th March, and it is disappointing that the two major parties held back until Pre-Poll voting commenced on 18th March to release their party’s policies. Recreational fishers deserve to know what the next government has installed for recreational fishers so they can make informed decisions about what is in their best interests.

All Politicians should remember that in NSW 1 in 5 people participate in recreational fishing and that delivers $3.9 billion to the NSW economy, and we will not be taken for granted.

Whilst there is general agreement that there are currently not many detrimental policy issues on hand, there is always room for improvement.

The AFTA Analysis is available here.

Queensland Government / GBRMPA

The Public Consultation period on the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s “Draft Policy on Fish Aggregating Devices and Artificial Reefs” ends on 13th April 2023. AFTA urges members and the broader recreational fishing community to review and make submissions to ensure our voice is heard.

Important to note:  AFTA recognises that currently, there are no Fish Attracting Devices (FADs) or purposed Artificial Reefs (AR) within the GBRMP, there are of course, reefs, artificial in nature, that have come to be through the tragic loss of vessels and aircraft throughout time.

AFTA understands the Qld Government will be submitting the possible inclusion of FADs & AR’s in the GBRMP.

Offshore Wind Farming Development & Impacts on Fishing

With the NSW & Commonwealth Governments’ push to establish wind farms up and down the NSW coastline (Newcastle & Illawarra Regions), recreational fishers have real concerns about the detrimental impact it may have on our industry, maritime movements and the broader marine environment.

This is not an argument for or against wind farms but the site locations across pristine world-class fishing zones.

One of the biggest fears will be exclusion zones for all fishing & boating and the impact this will have on our NSW $3.9 Billion contribution to GDP.

How will this affect shipping to the two major coal ports in NSW?? Undoubtedly the best location is land-based along ridgelines, not in the ocean, where they can be a navigational nightmare and impact migration pathways for both fish and whales.

We as an industry need to take this on as a matter of concern.

Ministerial Meetings

As the National Recreational Fishing Peak Body representing, Wholesalers, Manufacturers, Retail, Media, and Guides/Charter operators and, through that, engagement with all anglers, it is critical that Ministers understand AFTA, our history and our role in the Recreational Fishing Industry.

Victoria:

On 20th April, the AFTA board will meet with The Hon. Sonya Kilkenny, Victorian Minister for Outdoor Recreation.

With the National Recreational Fishing Survey results showing Victoria having a 16% participation rate and contributing $2.3b to the Victorian GDP, it is important to meet and discuss the concerns and ideas of our members

• How AFTA can assist the government in good policy delivery as we did with the Gippsland Lakes Commercial Netting legislation (Minister Jaala Pulford, October 2019) and riverfront access on leasehold property in the Parks & Crown Land Amendment (Minister Melissa Horne, November 2020),
• The 60,000 Little Anglers Kits program, its design and delivery timeframe, growing the broader participation rate.
• Western Port Bay fishery & the dramatic decrease in snapper numbers,
• Advocate for adopting the LNP election policy of centralising boat ramps management across Western Port Bay and Port Phillip Bay and associated land and parking to Better Boating Victoria. This was Coalition policy, but it makes sense from a management/outcomes point of view.

South Australia:

On 21st April, the AFTA board will meet with The Hon. Clare Scriven, South Australian Minister for Primary Industries.  

With the National Recreational Fishing Survey results showing South Australia having a 26% participation rate and contributing $1.0b to the SA GDP, it is important to meet and discuss the concerns and ideas of our members

• Snapper Closures
• Let’s Fish SA Program
• Women in Recreational Fishing program

Tight Lines

The Hon. Bob Baldwin
AFTA Independent Chair