Minister responsible for Fisheries, Joe Helper has visited the seafood industry Vicotria’s headquarters in West Melbourne and announced the government’s decision to help the industry. He told that this one-off initiative would restore stability in the industry. He also added that the Brumby Government is taking action to keep this vital industry alive, and this A$5 million structural adjustment programme would assist western zone rock lobster fishers who wish to sell their entitlements to the programme.
According to Helper this re-structure programme will restore investor confidence, improve profitability and provide financial assistance for struggling license holders to exit the industry. He expressed that the licence holders that remain would then become more economically viable. There is no doubt that the industry has worked hard to adapt to a number of challenges in recent times, including reduced profitability and a 30 percent reduction in catch quotas over the last two years, says Helper.
Helper believes that these events have had significant impacts on the industry and that’s why it’s vital that the Brumby Government take action to ensure its future. The announcement of investment will ensure ongoing benefits to the community from a sustainable rock lobster harvest. Helper informed that the programme would be delivered by the Rural Finance Corporation and based on guidelines to be developed by the Department of Primary Industries, in consultation with the industry.
