Funding boost for commercial fishing industry announced today

12/11/96

The development of modern training and health and safety practices were recognised as vital to the future of the commercial fishing industry in a funding boost announced today by Fisheries Minister Monty House.

The Minister has provided $120,000 per year for three years towards the long term strategic planning of training and health and safety practices.

The proposal was developed by the Western Australian Fishing Industry Council (WAFIC).

"WAFIC has been developing a health and safety philosophy within the fishing industry for the past four years, however there was a need for some additional resources to build on this initial work," Mr House said.

"The program presented by WAFIC ensures that all the major initiatives - including the development of industry codes of practice - can be implemented professionally and supported properly within a long-term plan."

Mr House said the funding for this program had been provided by the Development and Better Interest Fund which was financed from licence fees paid by the commercial fishing industry for exactly these types of uses which had broad, industry-wide benefit.

WAFIC plan to employ two consultants who will liaise with the Fisheries Department, Department of Transport, Worksafe and Department of Training to set a new health and safety and training policy for industry.

Media contact: Nicole Trigwell (09) 481 2044