The peak body representing recreational fishers in Tasmania will be reviewed to ensure it’s effective and properly funded if Labor wins government.
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Labor announced the review of the Tasmanian Association for Recreational Fishing on Monday as part of its three-prong Fishing for the Future policy.
Shadow primary industries minister Shane Broad said fishing was a large part of the state’s economy and community and Labor would “continue to actively support recreational fishing and ensure access to our iconic Tasmanian coastal waters and estuaries”.
Labor’s policy also included $1.5 million over three years for new toilets, signage and car park landscaping in popular fishing areas.
Recreational fisher Kelly Hunt said Sisters Beach was one local spot in need.
Labor also pledged not to introduce licence fees or charges for recreational fishing in salt water and coastal areas, a policy announced by the Liberal government in February.
Another policy on the Liberal government’s agenda also attracted Labor’s interest: a ban on super trawlers in Commonwealth waters.
Labor leader Rebecca White said the party would lobby the federal government to immediately and permanently ban the giant fishing vessels and accused the Liberal government of inaction despite supporting the policy in 2014.
This was rejected by a Liberal government spokesperson, who pointed to letters written by Lyons MHA Mark Shelton in 2016 and comments made in May.
“[We] will continue to work with the federal government to enact a ban in Commonwealth waters,” Mr Shelton said in May.