Recfishwest, WA’s peak recreational fishing organisation, has just been informed by Fisheries Minister Dave Kelly that WA fishing licences will be increase by $5 as of July 8.
This is an outcome of a State Government review of fees and charges, announced today, which has also seen other increases in day to day expenses for West Aussies.
Recfishwest are disappointed with this increase. This is the first we have heard of it and were not consulted on it.
Recfishwest have spoken directly to Minister Kelly this afternoon, seeking assurance that programs such as the Recreational Fishing Initiatives Fund (RFIF) are not going to be lost as an outcome of this review. Minister Kelly said funding to the RFIF and Recfishwest would not be impacted.
Recfishwest will be working hard to ensure every cent of the additional $1 million the State Government will receive from this increase delivers maximum benefit to the fishing community who are paying.
It’s important that the community have clarity on government expenditure we expect Premier Mark McGowan’s promised “gold standard of transparency” as continually spruiked by the new Labor Government, is also applied to fishing licence revenues.
What this means:
- Fishing from boat licences will increase to $35, with all other licences increasing to $45;
- Current concession discounts will remain.
If you renew your fishing licences before July 8 2017, you’ll avoid the increase.
