St Kilda Boat Sales - 5 Million Recreational Fishers & Boaters Call For Labor Policy

The Boating and Fishing Council of Australia (BFCA) calls on Labor to release their policy on a number of key issues.

These Key issues require clear answers to allow the over 5 million recreational fishers and boaters and their families – many of whom reside in marginal coastal seats – to make an informed decision when voting at the upcoming federal election.

• A guarantee from Labor that the legislated targets of a minimum of 30% ‘no take’ areas per bioregion by 2012 proposed as policy by the Australian Greens will not be agreed to.

• Labor must clearly dispel the concern that they are adopting policy based on ‘percentages’ and not ‘representative areas’ as agreed at international forums;

• Agree that all future decisions that lockout fishers from the marine environment be based on credible rigorous and agreed science;

• That the social and economic ramifications of displacement, eventuating from decisions associated with closures, Marine Protected Area’s, no-take zones, fully protected areas etc, be honestly and seriously considered;

• That full open consultation occur well before decisions are made - unlike that experienced with the Coral Sea;

• That the Government appoint a standalone Minister for Fisheries and/or a Parliamentary Secretary;

• That the Labor Government continue to be committed to the Recreational Fishing Ministerial Round Table / Advisory Reference Group and a properly funded and appropriately structured representative body for recreational fishers;

• That a greater level of reinvestment back to our respective sectors be evidenced as a proportion of the revenue generated by our sectors for the Australian economy;

• That the Labor Government take on board international models like those in the USA that deliver a more balanced and substantive policy outcome for communities, fishers, boaters, industry and the environment, and;

• That the opportunity for Australians of all ages to continue to engage in recreational fishing activities be a major priority for a Labor Government.

The Boating and Fishing Council of Australia is the most unified representative alliance for the marine, recreational fishing, trade & tackle, outboard and boating sectors. Established to address a continual disregard toward boating and its recreational fishing interests, the Council continues to work with policy makers to develop strong balanced and scientifically based policy.

Spokesman Dean Logan stated, “There is no doubt the Labor party Green preference announcement is potentially leaking massive amounts of votes around the country and the battle lines are now drawn for Labor to now come clean on policy.

“5 million recreational fishers many of whom live in marginal coastal seats - and 80% of boat owners who fish - deserve to know what Labors policy is sooner rather than later,” concluded Logan.

Article reprinted courtesy of: www.biavic.com.au