Proposals by the Western Australian Government (WAG) to own a substantial share of the western rock lobster fishery have been met with opposition from the industry, which sees wider implications for the state’s entire fishing sector.
‘There has been a strong and loud reaction from our members in a range of fisheries across the state. The issue of property rights for the fishing industry and the problem of sovereign risk for industry investors are key matters we need to discuss urgently with the Government,’ said Dr Ron Edwards, chair of the board of Western Australian Fishing Industry Council (WAFIC).
‘We have long sought greater security in relation to our property rights and this decision poses a real threat for businesses and families over their security of tenure in all our fisheries and it puts in serious doubt the stronger rights that were to flow as a result of the new Aquatic Resource Management Act legislation. In turn, this has real implications for ongoing investment in our industry, market stability and confidence in our fisheries.’
At its final meeting of 2018 and with Ron Edwards as its new chair, the WAFIC board has made clear its unequivocal support for the Western Rock Lobster Council (WRLC) in its opposition to the WAG proposal to own a 17.30% share in the western rock lobster fishery.
‘There has got to be a better way to generate the revenue the Minister speaks of other than Government ownership. What is proposed is unacceptable to industry. We are united with the WRLC and support them rejecting the proposal and seeking secure resource rights,’ Ron Edwards said.
The WAFIC Board met the Minister for Fisheries, Dave Kelly, along with senior personnel from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) including Ralph Addis, the Director General.
‘The conversation (with all parties) extended for almost two hours and included the Chair and CEO of the WRLC. We were pleased to have this early meeting,’ he said.
‘Following the departure of the Minister, and shortly later his entourage, the WAFIC Board and WRLC representatives agreed for both organisations to work closely and in total collaboration to oppose the issue of additional lobster units being allocated to the WA Government and, to secure resource rights. We would like to discuss with the Government alternative options to this proposal.’
‘The WAFIC Board endorsed the need for unity across industry,’ Ron Edwards said.
