Tasmania Shadow Minister for Fisheries Rene Hidding

Where Is Green On Seismic Testing?

Victor P Taffa

Reports that something other than environmental conditions killed $70 Million worth of Bass Strain scallops highlights Fisheries Minister Bryan Green’s lack of commitment to the industry, Shadow Minister for Fisheries Rene Hidding said.

“Claims by the Minister late last year that “people are making assumptions that seismic testing has had an effect” are further evidence of the Minister’s blatant disregard for the state’s fishing industries.”

“Members of the state’s scallop industry have previously expressed concerns about the impact of seismic testing on scallop beds, only to have their fears quashed by a minister who failed to acknowledge that there was an issue.” Mr. Hidding said.

“Bryan Green has to open his eyes and step into the real world here. This is the livelihood of everyday Tasmanians. These are vital, iconic industries that Tasmanians value, that the fishing industry values and the struggling Tasmanian economy needs.”

“Mr. Green said previously that he was waiting to see the science before acting. Well Minister, the science is in. What are you going to do about it?” Mr. Hidding asked.

Western Australia Minister for Fisheries Norman Moore

Minister reminds fishers’ new boat fishing licence laws take effect March 2

Victor P Taffa

Western Australia Minister for Fisheries Norman Moore has reminded recreational fishers they will need a new type of licence if they fish from a powered vessel anywhere in Western Australia after Monday March 2 2010.

The new recreational fishing from a boat licence (RFBL), which was announced in October as part of a raft of recreational fishing measures, is designed to help protect the State’s fragile fish stocks and will cost $30 annually.

“For less than 60 cents per week this licence will help ensure better monitoring and management of WA’s fisheries.” Mr Moore said.

“It will also help establish an invaluable database of boat-based recreational fishers, which can help us more accurately estimate the number of people fishing, where they are fishing and what they are catching.”

The Minister said the new RFBL would provide a tool to estimate recreational catches on a State-wide basis.

“This is the first time information will be available on this scale on an ongoing basis, not only for Perth but regional areas too.” Mr. Moore said.

“In some areas, fishing is only undertaken on a recreational basis and it’s vital we have good information on what they are catching, to assist in evaluating the success of various management strategies carried out by the Department of Fisheries.”

More than 50,000 Western Australians already take out licences for specific activities such as recreational lobster, marron and abalone fishing as well as net and freshwater fishing.

Mr Moore said those who took out a RFBL would be investing in protecting the future quality of recreational fishing.

“Funds from the new licence fee will be spent solely on initiatives relating to recreational fishing.” Mr. Moore said.

The Minister said recreational fishers using a powered boat anywhere in the State would need an RFBL.

The licence was not a requirement if people fished from a kayak, dinghy or other vessel without a motor.

Mr Moore stressed that unlicensed fishers were still to be entitled to fish from a boat, provided they were in the company of someone holding a valid licence and they only fished within that licence holder’s bag limit.

From Tuesday March 2, licences may be obtained from Australia Post outlets and online from the department’s website, as well as the Department of Fisheries offices.

For more information, go to:

http://www.fishforthefuture.com.au

South Australia Opposition Leader Isobel Redmond

Libs to ensure deep sea port for mining

Victor P Taffa

A Redmond Liberal Government will contribute $2 Million towards establishing a deep sea port in South Australia – vital to securing the state optimal benefit from the projected mining boom.

The funding will help get the halted prefeasibility study for a bulk loading facility at Port Bonython back on track.

Prioritisation by Opposition Leader Isobel Redmond is in stark contrast to the piecemeal approach to mining infrastructure of the Rann Government.

Opposition Leader Isobel Redmond, speaking to a South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy lunch, said a Liberal Government would fund $2 Million in her government’s first year to the prefeasibility study.

“This funding commitment will restart the prefeasibility study into this vital piece of infrastructure.”

“The Spencer Gulf Port Link Consortium has already spent $4 Million on this project but tell us that another $8.7 Million is needed to bring the project to bankable feasibility.

“The Rann Labor Government has been sitting on a submission from the consortium for some 18 months without response highlighting the difference between Mike Rann’s rhetoric on mining and his actions.

“Mike Rann has been promising South Australians a mining boom for eight years. He is yet to deliver.” Ms. Redmond said.

“A Redmond Liberal Government is committed to ensuring this project comes to fruition for the benefit of mining in South Australia and will investigate options for possible State Government involvement in the delivering of the Port Bonython bulk loading facility.” Ms. Redmond said.

Given the problems of the tuna industry in the State and other industry closures this announcement by Opposition Leader Isobel Redmond will provide direction and hope for South Australia.

Under the provisions of the relevant Electoral Act responsibility for all election comment is assumed by Editor Victor P Taffa. The Registered office of The Southern Thunderer is at 4/69a Darvall Road, West Ryde NSW 2114.