Many fishermen are making their way down south to Ballina to take advantage of some of the best fishing grounds on the east coast of Australia. It is mentioned in the report that commercial fishing on the Northern Rivers generates more than $36 million of direct income every year, contributing $216 million to the local economy. Almost $17 million of that comes out of Ballina.
Phil Hilliard, general manger of the Ballina Fishermen’s Co-op, explained that local fishing industry is gaining momentum and also generates about 75 jobs and a direct income of $2.9 million. He said that people underestimate the value of fishing here and there is a great need of some recommendations for the growth of this industry here.
Hilliard informed that two-thirds of the money generated is spent locally. The Northern Rivers fishing industry also provides about one-third of the fish landed in the whole of NSW. Executive officer of the Professional Fisherman’s Association, John Harrison, said its new report that socio-economic evaluation of the commercial fishing industry in the Ballina, Clarence and Coffs Harbour regions’, showed the industry made an ‘enormous contribution’. Hilliard said Ballina fishermen were not against marine parks, but said consultation was needed.
