Recfishwest has strongly criticised the City of Stirling’s decision to ban recreational fishing at 17 lakes, wetlands and reserves, warning the move unfairly punishes responsible fishers and will reduce opportunities for local families and young people to enjoy fishing close to home.
For many children, seniors and families without the time, transport or means to regularly fish the coast, these lakes provide one of the few affordable opportunities to enjoy recreational fishing close to home, targeting non-native feral fish that have found their way into these waterways.
The decision comes despite collaboration between Recfishwest, City of Stirling officers, WA Police and the RSPCA to develop practical solutions aimed at reducing wildlife interactions without resorting to a blanket prohibition on fishing.
Recfishwest supports strong action against anyone who mistreats wildlife or behaves irresponsibly. However, it believes targeted education, community engagement and compliance measures are a far more effective response than removing fishing opportunities for responsible community members.
City of Stirling councillors voted in favour of the ban, with Mayor Mark Irwin the only councillor to vote against the proposal.
The ban applies to parts of Herdsman Lake, Jackadder Lake, Lake Gwelup, Careniup Wetlands, Roselea Lake, Princeton Lakes, Talia Lake and the lakes within Carine Regional Open Space. It also includes Potenza Reserve, Stirling Civic Gardens, Dog Swamp Reserve, Shearwater Spoonbill Reserve, Cedric Grebe Reserve, Dianella Regional Open Space, Yokine Regional Open Space and Lilac Shannon Reserve.
Young people hit hard
Speaking on 6PR radio, Recfishwest Operations Lead Matt Gillett said the decision would hit young people particularly hard by taking away one of the few accessible places they could enjoy fishing close to home.
“It’s particularly concerning that fishing is being taken away from young people in a world where a lot of them are glued to their screens,” Matt said.
“Fishing provides a pathway out into the environment and the opportunity to get some fresh air and enjoy fishing with their friends.
“Do we want a world where people, particularly kids, are able to go outside and enjoy themselves, or do we want a world where everything gets banned just because a few people can’t do the right thing?”
Matt said the decision punished the overwhelming majority of responsible fishers for the actions of a small minority.
“It’s pretty disappointing – a case of the minority spoiling it for the majority of fishers who do the right thing.
“People doing the wrong thing and interacting with wildlife – then, sure they need to be dealt with – but to implement a blanket ban for all fishing is an overreach.”
Local Government overreach
Recfishwest also maintains recreational fishing should continue to be managed under State fisheries legislation, where fisheries experts can balance environmental protection, sustainable fishing and community access, rather than through local government bylaws.
“It’s our preference to have fishing rules dealt with at a State level, because the State has the expertise to manage fishing and local governments simply don’t,” Matt said.
The City’s proposed bylaw will now be referred to a State Parliamentary committee, which has the power to recommend the ban be disallowed before it can take effect.
