Rockingham byelection – candidate responses to Recfishwest questions

The WA Labor candidate chose not to provide a response to the questions.

Is the Government’s current spending on recreational fishing adequate given the significant social and economic value generated by recreational fishing?

I believe the monies allocated to recreational fishing in the budget could be more considering over half of that is generated directly by recreational fishers in the form of licence fees. 60% of the allocated $14.4 million is income to the state by recreational fishers, I don’t believe the remaining 40% of that budget is a figure that represents appropriate investment to recreational fishers.

Do you believe the Government’s current allocation of the available and sustainably demersal fish (dhufish and snapper) in the West Coast Bioregion (Kalbarri to Augusta) delivers the optimum return to the WA community?

The allocation of demersal fish available to recreational fishers has been guided by sustainable fishing principles however those same principles haven’t been reflected in the allocation of fish available to commercial fishers. I believe commercial fishers play a larger role in sustaining stock numbers as their catch and impacts are greater and mostly exported offshore.

Why should fishers vote for you. If you are elected as the member for Rockingham what are the priority fishing investments, you will campaign for?

Fishing is a way of life to me. I chase the sharks, follow the spew and look for birds on the water. The redgum flowers in Safety Bay when the Salmon is on the run. From homemade occy pots to Cray pots I’ve grown to see the changes in landscape and seasons. I live my life by the winds and the tides as that reflects on where I can catch a feed and catch my breath. Nothing is more grounding than a reel in my hand. It is therapy and exhilarating to hear the buzz of the drag.

Mental health and wellbeing are topical these days as we come to understand that our spirit is just as important as our body in health. Fishing is a tool to keeping a healthy balance. It is a life skill and I would like to see more people on the water. As a designer and facilitator of the City’s gone Fishing program I have had the privilege of instilling this in the Community and providing the opportunity for intergenerational connectedness. If I am elected my priority would be to share this patented award winning program to the wider community.

A priority would be having the public toilets at beaches and boat ramps open 24×7. They’re currently locked between 7pm and 9pm, Mulloway fishers at Rockingham Jetty need to defecate between these times.

• More cleaning and scaling stations, are needed.
• Walliss Bay Marina is long overdue.
• Shoalwater Island Marine park management needs focus and attention.
• Cessation of dredging at the pond and the jetty moved south.
• Artificial reefs have been successful in creating habitat, I would like to discuss this along with Long Point 4wd access.

There is much I would campaign for and it is important to have a fisherperson at the table representing the needs and future needs of the Rockingham Community.

Is the Government’s current spending on recreational fishing adequate given the significant social and economic value generated by recreational fishing?

The State Government needs to understand that the recreational fishing industry contributes $1.8 Billion to the WA economy every year, supporting the fishing industry directly as well as a host of allied industries, many of those being local small businesses. Given commercial WA fishing only returns $3 Million to the WA economy per annum, the State Government should allocate more resources than it does to account for the growth (continues and projected) of recreational fishing in WA.

Do you believe the Government’s current allocation of the available and sustainably demersal fish (dhufish and snapper) in the West Coast Bioregion (Kalbarri to Augusta) delivers the optimum return to the WA community?

The Government’s allocation of demersal fish for recreational fishers is totally unsuitable and is misaligned with the expectations of the community and fishing peak bodies. With no consultation of local industries or recreational fishers and based on questionable reports & data, it is clear that the restrictions on recreational fishers in relation to demersal fishing are wrong and need to be readdressed in consultation with all stakeholders.

Why should fishers vote for you. If you are elected as the member for Rockingham what are the priority fishing investments, you will campaign for?

Fishers should vote for me because I am one of you. I was born in Rockingham and have been fishing recreationally for all types of fish, crayfish, abalone, spear etc. out of Mangles Bay and surrounds since before I can remember. My grandfather, Barry Wiseman, who writes for The West Australian and more recently Western Angler has introduced me to key stakeholders in the fishing industry and I am confident that I can satisfy the needs of recreational fishers.

It is clear that the Cook Labor Government refuses to listen to recreational fishers on the mistakes restricting us, so the people of Rockingham should elect me to fight on their behalf to reopen the conversation and achieve a result that is both sustainable and fair to fishers. I will be fighting hard for greater investment in recreational fishing facilities in my local community, but ultimately, if you are a fisher, you should put Labor last.

Is the Government’s current spending on recreational fishing adequate given the significant social and economic value generated by recreational fishing?

No, the government’s spending is less than adequate given the significant social and great economic value generated by rec fishers. The recreational sector generates significantly more economic value than the commercial sector despite being regulated heavier than the commercial sector.

If the government’s current spend was allocated adequately the recreational fishing industry would not be at jeopardy. WA’s 700,000 recreational fishers contribute over a $1 billion to WA’s GDP and supports over 9,000 jobs, all from just 5% of WA’s total catch. The 2023/24 budget has allocated $14.4 million for recreational fishing management, compliance, and research with 60% of this cost paid by directly by recreational fishers through licence fees.

Do you believe the Government’s current allocation of the available and sustainably demersal fish (dhufish and snapper) in the West Coast Bioregion (Kalbarri to Augusta) delivers the optimum return to the WA community?

The government’s allocation of available and sustainable demersal fish has fallen well below the optimum return to the WA community.

The allocation, that was just recently halved, has now affected the allocated months in which recreational fishers can fish for demersal fish.

To meet this reduced demersal allocation, recreational fishers have been restricted to fish for demersal species 24 weeks in the year, of which not all of these weeks are fishable.

The demersal allocation has been halved for the recreational sector despite the very questionable data that has been collated by the Department of Fisheries which saw our allocation halved. This allocation could be increased by the recreational sector purchasing commercial licenses thus obtaining their demersal allocation.

The reduction of the recreational demersal allocation has had dire consequences to the recreational fishing industry.

This reduction has caused the demise of several fishing tackle, marine and outdoor businesses and has already placed many people out of work. This in turn will result in less recreational fishers, less recreational fishing licenses and a drop in the economic value of, and social benefits from our fishing industry.

Why should fishers vote for you. If you are elected as the member for Rockingham what are the priority fishing investments, you will campaign for?

Although my primary focus in this campaign is to urge electors to vote NO to THE VOICE later this year, as well as a proud Noongar woman I am also an active recreational fisherman, and we are similarly affected every time the Minister plays around with our bag limits and closed seasons. I will give urgent priority to:

• Immediate higher demersal allocation for all recreational fishers.
• Push Government to facilitate the new Marina at Wanliss Street together with improved public boat launching facilities.
• Reduction in the West Coast Bioregion demersal closure.
• Revision of recreational fishing rules and Regulations.
• Allocation for buyback of commercial fishing licenses from the government, and reallocating to all recreational fishermen, women & children.

Is the Government’s current spending on recreational fishing adequate given the significant social and economic value generated by recreational fishing?

We support providing greater funding for environmental projects, investment in growing fish stocks and regenerating their habitats like the Cockburn Sound, and funding the expansion of recovery initiatives.

Do you believe the Government’s current allocation of the available and sustainably demersal fish (dhufish and snapper) in the West Coast Bioregion (Kalbarri to Augutsa) delivers the optimum return to the WA community?

Fish stocks belong to our whole community and should be shared equitably. We support evidence-based approaches to improve the health and regeneration of fish and their habitats, but we’re concerned that when it comes to the West Coast demersal scalefish closed season the balance may be off. We have a shared responsibility to make sure dhufish and snapper are going to be around for our kids and grandkids and it’ll take all of us sharing the weight to get there – not just recreational fishers.

Why should fishers vote for you. If you are elected as the member for Rockingham what are the priority fishing investments, you will campaign for?

The Greens will always support measures that enhance the health of our oceans and waterways. We are also the only political party in Western Australia serious about tackling climate change. As a coastal community we all know that our marine ecosystems are vulnerable, and we’re committed to real action to address the climate crisis and preserve our environment so we can enjoy it for generations to come.

I have many policies outlined at https://arthurgalletly.com/election/

However, I don’t own a boat and I don’t fish, so this is an area, if elected, I would be keen to find out more about and address.

Is the Government’s current spending on recreational fishing adequate given the significant social and economic value generated by recreational fishing?

The short and simple answer is no. Considering 700,000 recreational fishers contribute over a billion dollars to WA GDP and support over 9,000 jobs. The 2023/2024 budget is not reflective of the enormous financial and social value fishing has, especially here in Rockingham.

Rockingham is home to the second highest boat ownership in WA, we have the most amount of rate payer funded boat ramps in WA and considering that 60% of the allocated budget is recouped directly by recreational fishers through licensing fees it’s not adequate. An increase in budget could fund things like finger jetty’s, fishing platforms, more education campaigns around fishing restrictions, education about fishing in schools and support peak industry bodies and businesses.

The budget should increase funding and proceed with an Industry Growth program, much like the $392.4 million announced for small business in the federal budget. This would include, strategic planning, future proofing, education, infrastructure and ensuring regions have sufficient growth to ensure fishing remains one of WA’s most favourite past times.

Do you believe the Government’s current allocation of the available and sustainably demersal fish (dhufish and snapper) in the West Coast Bioregion (Kalbarri to Augusta) delivers the optimum return to the WA community?

It’s important to reach the recovery benchmarks set out in the Fisheries Management Paper No.305 , section 4.2.2 of the Paper refers to consultation with peak bodies of WAFIC and Recfishwest who are the primary source of advice and representation from the commercial and recreational harvesting sectors. It appears that the recent amendments to the legislation have chosen not to seriously consider the advice from these peak bodies, specifically Recfishwest. As stated in the paper, consultation is imperative to informed decision making.

Restrictions to demersal fishing need to be clear, simple, and targeted at restocking the fish population. Advice from peak bodies such as WAFIC and Recfishwest need to be taken seriously, with weighted consideration to the social benefits of recreational fishing, I would like to see an amendment to the paper, that WAFIC and Recfishwest advice is to be given serious consideration before the Minister of Fisheries or DPIRD can amend legislation.

Why should fishers vote for you. If you are elected as the member for Rockingham what are the priority fishing investments, you will campaign for?

As the Independent Member for Rockingham, I would be in a unique position to challenge the amendments and propose alternative restrictions from the advice of Recfishwest and WAFIC. As an Independent, I can raise issues directly in the WA Parliament without having to gain political party support or toe a party line. Rockingham is in an unfortunate, unique position of being the only local government that funds its boat ramps with council rates.

We have 14 boat ramps in Rockingham, all paid for by the City of Rockingham through council rates. All other boat ramps in WA are funded privately or by the Department of Transport. So effectively Rockingham residents pay twice for boat ramps, through rates, and taxes, to pay for everyone else’s boat ramps. This is a big issue that we need to fix and will be a priority.

I will be seeking the Department of Transport to take over the management of the boat ramps and upgrade certain ramps to ensure they have the infrastructure required. I would like to see opportunities for finger jetty’s, fishing platforms or alternative to accommodate our aquatic playground we are so well known for. This will encourage non-boat owners to fish and potentially lead to a new generation of recreational fishers.

The Australian Christians candidate chose not to provide a response to the questions.

Is the Government’s current spending on recreational fishing adequate given the significant social and economic value generated by recreational fishing?

As a boy, I greatly enjoyed recreational fishing – and crabbing – with my father, and brothers and sisters. It was great fun – plus it provided a good feed. It was good tucker.  About funding.

Fees must be at a minimum – especially for folk who cannot easily afford it. And so that boat safety for example is not compromised. Nor the quantity of sodi pop and cordial for those – young and old – who prefer such beverages to boozing on booze. If applicable, the provisioning of booze for fishing picnics also costs money. Without know for certain, I’d say it’s probably unlikely to be enough. But I would listen to, and be prepared to take your advice, and if convinced, I would be a very, very strong advocate for your issues, and causes. But we might have to compromise if the Nurses, or the Police, are striking again.

Do you believe the Government’s current allocation of the available and sustainably demersal fish (dhufish and snapper) in the West Coast Bioregion (Kalbarri to Augusta) delivers the optimum return to the WA community?

Dunno. I would again listen to advice – widely – and have as many fish – and crabs – available as possible. But also, sustainably so – to some lesser or more extent. I would hope for more fish being available both now – and in the future. These activities are good fun for the family and friends of the family – but it must also be an educational opportunity. And we must be mindful of the Environment, and, for some, Animal Rights. After all, it could be one of your sons and daughters who is concerned about such issues.

Why should fishers vote for you. If you are elected as the member for Rockingham what are the priority fishing investments, you will campaign for?

To be serious. I would take your advice and the advice of others. But if families and their friends can enjoy and have fun by recreational fishing – and crabbing – then that must have a pretty high priority.