Release of wide-ranging review of fisheries portfolio

13/12/94

Fisheries Minister Monty House today outlined new directions to ensure Western Australia's fishery resources remain sustainable and profitable to benefit the industry and wider community.

Releasing a wide-ranging review of the fisheries portfolio, Mr House said the proposed changes provided a framework to strengthen WA's reputation as a leader in fisheries resource management and commercial development.

"The review has set a new direction for the delivery of Government services to the fishing sector to meet expanding challenges related to managing the State's fishery resource," the Minister said.

Mr House said that while the department would continue to focus on research and management of all fisheries, greater emphasis would be placed on supporting the recreational sector.

The Minister said the review highlighted the importance of the fishing industry to the WA economy and recognised the special demands of commercial fisheries and the rapidly expanding recreational fishing sector.

"The review has identified strategic challenges with regard to matters such as resource allocation and security of access for a wide range of interest groups and how to capitalise on new opportunities such as aquaculture, other commercial development and fishing-based tourism," Mr House said.

Many of the initiatives flowing from the review will create stronger partnerships between commercial and recreational users, other user groups and the Fisheries Department.

Consultative arrangements and industry input into priority setting and program directions will all be strengthened.

Peak commercial and recreational management advisory committees will be formalised and improved with the appointment of independent chairpersons, more clearly defined operating guidelines, and budgets to purchase administrative support.

A key initiative will be the development of a framework for security of access, resource allocation and conflict resolution between recreational and commercial fishermen and other marine user groups.

Other initiatives to facilitate further development of the commercial sector include:

·       offering incentives for new fishing industry development initiatives;

·       supporting marine-based industry development opportunities by fast-tracking applications requiring approval of several government agencies;

·       assisting industry to improve processing, handling, transport and distribution technology to add value to fish products and widen market opportunities;

·       helping industry develop new fisheries such as deep water fisheries; 

·       providing better information about opportunities for investment, research and development of new markets and technology;

·       continuing funding of the WA Fishing Industry Council (WAFIC); and -

·       providing greater assistance to establish and improve quality control measures in the catching and value adding fish products.

The annual value of catch from the commercial fishing sector in WA was more than $520 million last year with an estimated flow-on to the community of about $700 million.

The review acknowledged the vital role the Fisheries Department had played in protecting the fishery resource as a leader in biological research, and enabling sustainable commercial development.

Mr House said he would work to ensure the Fisheries Department annual budget was maintained.

The Government's commitment to the development of aquaculture would continue with funding of $4.5 million over the next three years.  An aquaculture development advisory committee and aquaculture development fund were also being established.

The review highlighted that the relationship between funding contributions by industry and services provided by the department were obscure and could be improved. (Commercial fishermen currently pay an access fee of 1.25 per cent gross value of production.)

Mr House said new funding arrangements would be introduced from July 1 next year to establish a more appropriate funding base to support an expanding and complex fisheries sector. The details would be worked out in consultation with industry.

"The Government believes that the fishing industry should pay the management costs associated with research, regulation, surveillance, enforcement and adjustment activities to ensure sustainability and development of fisheries," the Minister said.

"A component of the funding will also be used to protect access rights, maintain the environment, develop long-term strategic directions and other initiatives considered in the best interests of the fishery.

"The advantages to industry will be a stronger input into setting priorities for funding, a more accountable and open financial reporting system, and better value for money for those involved in the fishing sector."

Recreational fishers would be expected to contribute to the cost of services provided for recreational purposes although it would be unlikely they could meet the full cost.

Mr House said the Government recognised the importance of the recreational sector which involved more than 350,000 people and contributed up to $400 million a year to the State economy.

Major initiatives for the recreational sector included:

·       the development of a specific recreational fishing program involving a long-term management strategy, more research and information about fishing behaviour, patterns and catches;

·       more financial support for recreational fishing activities.  As from July 1, 1995, all revenue from recreational licence fees would be paid directly into the Recreational Fishing Trust Account;

·       the possibility of adopting an organisation similar to WAFIC in the recreational sector;

·       the investigation of more efficient means of monitoring the recreational sector and enforcing regulations through further development of voluntary compliance and education programs; and -

·       the State-wide expansion of the highly successful volunteer fishery liaison officer program.

Mr House said the WA Government would pursue funding from the Commonwealth for a national 'fishcare' program similar to the landcare program.  A greater Commonwealth financial contribution would also be sought for research and development.

The Government would work more closely with industry to establish industry promotion and training programs.

Mr House said the role of the Department would be strengthened by:

·       introducing a more modern and business-like approach using program management to increase accountability, efficiency and delivery of customer requirements;

·       using program management to set priorities for the commercial, recreational and aquaculture sectors;

·       increasing regional presence and activities;

·       adopting greater emphasis on economics, marketing, environmental management and strategic policy and planning;

·       introducing more flexible working arrangements for staff;

·       encouraging personal development through leadership programs, annual scholarships, national or overseas exchanges and the opportunity for work experience with private enterprise;

·       establishing clearer lines of responsibility for staff and management; and -

·       adopting a closer working relationship between staff and the fishing industry.

Western Australia would be promoted as a leader in fishery management by investigating the establishment of a 'Centre of Excellence' in marine research, attracting national and international fishing conferences to WA and encouraging an exchange program between fisheries experts.

Mr House said the next phase of the review process was already underway.  A Ministerial committee comprising fishing, corporate, and Government expertise was being established to implement the changes.

The committee would be chaired by Kevin Edwards, a senior partner with Malleson Stephen Jacques solicitors.  It would co-ordinate four small working groups to further examine funding attribution, resource sharing, security of access and new industry development.

A separate taksforce led by the executive director of the Fisheries Department would implement changes in the department.

"Discussions will proceed with peak industry groups to redefine consultative arrangements. The proposed changes and their implementation will require the extensive involvement of industry participants and agency staff."

Mr House commended the review team for their time and dedication to the task.  He also thanked the hundreds of people in the industry and departmental staff that had participated in the State-wide series of regional workshops, public submissions and interviews.

Copies of the report and newsletter detailing the Minister's response are available from Minister's Office, 20th Floor, 221 St George's Tce, Perth.  Phone: 481 2044 or fax 481 2151

Media contact:  Will Henwood 481 2044 or 041 9901500