What it is
Every four years the State election presents an opportunity to seek commitments from all political parties around valuing and supporting WA fishing and the Cast of Thousands of WA fishers.
As the peak sector body, while we are not aligned to any political party, Recfishwest’s role is to secure policy commitments and investments from all parties that can benefit fishing.
Fishing is an integral part of our culture and lifestyle, and it should be celebrated, championed, and protected. In WA, more than 750,000 people go fishing every year. Recreational fishing in WA adds more than $1.1 billion to WA’s annual GDP and creates more than 9,600 full-time jobs.
Over decades, government investment into recreational fishing has not reflected the significant social, economic and well-being value our fishing provides to individuals, communities, regions or the State. The 2025 State election in March presents the opportunity to ensure political parties commit to redress that significant shortfall.
What Recfishwest is doing
Recfishwest works tirelessly to protect, promote and develop sustainable, accessible, enjoyable and safe fishing for the benefit of the community. In line with these objectives, our election manifesto calls on all parties to support investments to improve the health and productivity of our aquatic environments and build abundant and resilient fish stocks.
In the lead-up to the 2025 State Election, Recfishwest has developed a manifesto calling for investments into fishing from all political parties over the next four years to ensure our great fishing experiences are safeguarded for generations to come in the face of a changing environment due to factors such as climate change. Click here to see our election manifesto snapshot.
As part of this manifesto, we have also made the case for clear government policy underpinning these investments that better appreciates the significant value of fishing and ensures our great fishing experiences are safeguarded for generations to come.
We will report on commitments by each party when they are made. In our February Broadcast newsletter, we will provide a detailed report on each party’s support for Recfishwest’s fishing manifesto, along with all other fishing-related pledges each party has made.
What we’ve heard so far
 | Here is what Premier Roger Cook and the WA Labor party have promised for WA fishers so far. |
|---|---|
| $3 million to increase marron stocks at Harvey Dam, Logue Brook Dam and Wellington Dam through improved productivity and habitat enhancement. | |
| $2 million towards a new fishing platform at Quinns Rocks. | |
| $2 million towards a new fishing platform and universal access toilet at Hillarys Boat Harbour. | |
| $200,000 towards planning for a new all abilities fishing jetty in Albany, with Emu Point the preferred location. | |
| $200,000 over four years to help Fishability expand its important work into regional WA, with the Pilbara a focus. | |
| $150,000 to rebuild the northern part of the Collie River Bridge fishing platform in Australind. | |
| $400,000 to replace the closed Port Denison jetty with a floating platform and create a foreshore playground with shade areas. | |
| New boat ramps and a fishing platform are included as part of a broader $116 million commitment to construct a tourism and boating hub at Tantabiddi in Exmouth. | |
| Commitment to not introduce mandatory catch reporting for recreational fishers. |
Click here to see the WA Labor response to our election manifesto.
 | Here is what Libby Mettam and the Liberal Party have promised for WA fishers so far. |
|---|---|
| Recreational fishing licence reform replacing all fishing licenses with a single $40 licence. | |
| A $21 million budget for this proposed change means initiatives that currently benefit from the proceeds of licencing fees will continue to be funded, including Recfishwest, Fishability, the Recreational Fishing Initiatives Fund. | |
| $12 million to construct a jetty in Geraldton. | |
| $500,000 to construct all ability fishing platforms at the South mole in Fremantle. | |
| Commitment to not introduce mandatory catch reporting for recreational fishers. | |
| Increase freshwater and marron fishing opportunities across Western Australia including stocking of urban waters and exploring access to new dams in the South-West. | |
| In response to local councils unilaterally banning fishing and implementing rules that contradict state legislation the WA Liberals will ensure local governments understand fisheries management is the responsibility of the State government. | |
| In recognising the importance of four-wheel driving and maintaining access to popular beach fishing spots across Western Australia and we are committed to working with local councils to ensure they take a practical and balanced approach that preserves access to popular beach and 4WD fishing spots rather than take the easy option of simply closing access or restricting fishing. | |
| Establish a stand-alone Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. | |
| Review all marine park decisions taken by the Cook Labor Government. | |
| Stop offshore wind farm developments in Geographe Bay. |
Click here to see the WA Liberal media statement on delivering reel savings for WA anglers.
 | Here is what the Nationals party have promised for WA fishers so far. |
|---|---|
| $40 million to install purpose-built reefs. | |
| $7 million to establish a habitat enhancement program around jetties to boost productivity, biodiversity and fish abundance. | |
| $3 million to support marron stocks through a habitat restoration program to boost dam productivity. | |
| $12 million to expand the current stocking of pink snapper, yellowtail kingfish, marron, barramundi and trout. | |
| $5 million investment in a research program to build capacity to breed and stock important species such as dhufish, flathead, abalone and native alternatives for trout. | |
| $3 million to implement Recfishwest’s shark bite-off plan in full. | |
| Initiate comprehensive consultations with the view to upgrade and modernise our existing fishing jetties and platforms, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of our communities. | |
| $2 million to double the Statewide Fish Aggregating Devices (FAD) program to 80 FADs, further enhancing sustainable fishing practices. | |
| $3 million to implement a statewide community stewardship program, empowering local communities to take an active role in protecting our marine resources. | |
| Undertake a Special Inquiry into the selection of all new Marine Parks in WA. | |
| Re-establish the Department of Fisheries as an independent agency. |
Click here to see the WA Nationals full response to our election manifesto,
What they told us: “As a minor party, the Greens WA election platform is focused on high-priority, principles-based commitments to push the next State Government to act on. In the next State Parliament, The Greens (WA) will prioritise pursuing our platform. However, The Greens (WA) position on issues affecting recreational fishing will be informed by the aims, measures, and underlying principles of our policies.”
These policies include
- Ending shell sand mining to preserve sea grass in the Cockburn Sound/Owen Anchorage.
- Stopping the Westport Outer Harbour project.
Click here to see the Greens WA full response to our election manifesto.
What they told us:“I wholeheartedly support the policies outlined in your manifesto, and agree that recreational fishing is not only an important part of our culture but also a significant contributor to our economy and way of life in WA.
$170 million investment in recreational fishing over the next four years is a crucial step to ensure the future of this industry, and I fully support efforts to safeguard and promote fishing experiences for all West Australians.
As One Nation WA’s Party Leader, I am committed to supporting policies that protect and enhance our recreational fishing industry, ensuring it thrives for future generations.”
Visit the One Nation WA website to read their policies.
What they told us: “SFFPWA, Shooters Fishers and Farmers Party WA considers support of the Western Australian Recreational Fishing Activities, paramount!
It is one of SFFPWAs’ three core policy tenets that we champion and stand for.
SFFPWA fully agrees with Recfishwest views to the future of sustainable fishing, and would push aggressively for funding above what Recfishwest has outlined to achieve and maintain that goal.”
Visit the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party WA website to read their policies
What they told us: “Sustainable Australia Party would like to express general support for Recfishwest’s goals of building resilient environments, improving WA’s fish stocks and supporting our important recreational fishing industry.”
Visit the Sustainable Australia Party website to read their policies.
What they told us: “The Libertarian Party of WA strongly supports the rights and freedoms of recreational fishers in Western Australia. We recognize the significant cultural, economic, and social value that recreational fishing brings to our state, contributing to both community well-being and the economy. As such, we are committed to protecting and enhancing the ability of individuals to engage in this activity without undue interference from government overregulation or restrictive policies.“
“The Libertarian Party of WA commits to advocating for policies that enhance recreational fishing opportunities, reduce regulatory burdens, and rescind or roll back existing restrictions that unnecessarily limit fishers’ freedoms.”
Visit the Libertarian Party website to read their policies.
The Australian Christians, Animal Justice Party, and Legalise Cannabis Party were sent a copy of our 2025 election platform, and they chose not to provide a response.
What you can do
Ask candidates standing in your electorate:
- How will you improve our fishing experiences?
- Will you support Recfishwest’s manifesto in full?
- Join the Cast of Thousands as a Recfishwest member to help increase our advocacy power with politicians and decision-makers.