Following the recent declaration of an offshore wind energy (OWE) zone off Bunbury, Recfishwest has written to Commonwealth Minister Chris Bowen to implement clear policy which recognises and protects critical fish habitats and ensures fishing access at any future turbines.
While the Minister has told Recfishwest that his Government is “determined that offshore wind and rec fishing will co-exist,” he stopped short of committing to legislation preventing turbines being located on key dhufish reef habitats or restrictive exclusion zones around the structures.
Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland said South-West fishers could only be confident that the Minister is true to his word if binding policy or legislation is put in place keeping OWE developers accounatble.
“We are asking Minister Bowen to fulfil his responsibilities as a minister and act in the public interest,” said Andrew. “This is a fundamental requirement of a representative democratic system and good public administration, instead of allowing a private, profit-driven operator to take the wheel and make these important decisions.”
Meanwhile Recfishwest welcomed WA Minister for Fisheries Don Punch backing in our position on the issue on ABC radio – listen to the clip here.
READ BELOW what we had to say in OUR LETTER TO MINISTER BOWEN