Tag: election

Casting your vote for fishing in the State election

With just a week until the State election, Recfishwest has below pulled together  all the commitments parties have made to secure better outcomes for fishing.  

Click here to read about Recfishwest’s platform for future fishing we sent to all the registered parties last year seeking investment and policy commitments that make fishing better.

LATEST as of 28/2/25

What the parties have committed to 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. 
  • A full, public WA EPA environmental review into the impacts of AUKUS on Cockburn Sound.
  • A WA Parliament Upper House Select Committee Inquiry into public access and exclusion zones in Cockburn Sound as a result of AUKUS.
  • For the EPA to deliver strategic advice on Cockburn Sound which would review the full suite of proposed developments in the region and overall environmental impacts and risks to provide clear advice on how to secure the environmental values.

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. 

Strengthen our voice

All major parties have so far made positive commitments to benefit fishing. With a week to go, there’s still time for each party to do more. We expect more announcements as candidates compete for fishers’ votes. 

Stay tuned to our channels for updates! 

Want to help us push for better fishing outcomes? Join the cast of thousands at Recfishwest and strengthen our voice. 

2019 Election and the Return of Federal Labor “Lock Outs”

Recreational fishing in Western Australia is governed by state laws and is largely a state responsibility, so as you prepare to tuck into a democracy sausage on May 18th you could be forgiven for thinking the federal election cannot possibly impact your fishing experience, unfortunately, this is simply not true.

So far this election campaign, the current Coalition government has pledged $29 million for a variety of fishing-based initiatives including $20 million to improve boating facilities and $8 million to restore habitat.

To learn more about the Coalition $29 million commitment click here.

Less than 24 hours after first publishing this article highlighting the fact the Australia Labor Party (ALP) had so far failed to announce any commitments, they pledged $45 million to improve recreational fishing including improving boat ramps, native fish stocking and better consultation processes.

To learn more about the ALP $45 million commitment click here.  

In Western Australia, recreational fishers directly inject $2.4 billion into our local economy every year. The lack of major well-developed commitments by both parties is disappointing, both major parties have failed to fully appreciate just how important fishing is to the community and to the economy.

One area of major difference between the two key parties that is likely to impact on your fishing experience is the way they plan to manage our network of Commonwealth marine parks. The 2019 election is looming as a watershed moment in the way these parks are managed.

Like most fishers, Recfishwest support marine parks when they are created for the right reasons, put in the right places and implemented using simple, practical management that is risk-based, transparent and subject to regular review.

 

 

 

To read Recfishwest’s position on marine parks click here

Developing Australia’s network of Commonwealth marine parks has been a very long and time-consuming process that started more than 20 years ago. Recfishwest has participated in this process from the beginning and has invested many years of hard work and submitted countless submissions during this time.  In July last year, Australia’s very first complete network of Commonwealth marine parks came into effect, providing Australia with one of the largest areas of marine protection in the world.

To learn more about the history of Australia’s network of Commonwealth marine parks click here.

Despite management plans for Western Australia’s Commonwealth marine parks taking effect on 1st July 2018, the Australian Labor Party has announced it does not intend to let the current 10 year management plans run their course and has committed to replacing the current management plans with ones they developed back in 2012 when last in government.

Recfishwest believe the current management plans provide far better environmental, social and economic outcomes for Western Australia than the 2012 plans ever did. Some examples of the way the current plans provide much better outcomes than the 2012 plans include;

Perth Canyon (Rottnest Trench) Commonwealth Marine Park

The current plans retain access to important fishing grounds near Perth including the Rottnest Trench and the Perth Game Fishing Club’s FAD program west of Rottnest while at the same time providing an additional 134km2 of National Park (IUCN II – Green Zone) protection and 1693km2 of Habitat Protection Area (IUCN IV – Yellow Zone) protection. The current management plans also provide protection for two of the three canyon heads compared to the 2012 plans which provided protection to only one.

Geographe Bay Commonwealth Marine Park

The current plans align Commonwealth green and yellow zones to similar zones in the state-based Ngari Capes marine park providing much greater shore to shelf connectivity and making it much easier for people to know where the zones are.

Bremer Commonwealth Marine Park

The current plans provide an additional 2,888km2 of green zone protection for the Killer Whale aggregations near Bremer Bay, which will completely disappear if the 2012 plans are implemented.

Dampier Commonwealth Marine Park

The current plans allow access to pelagic species in the Madeleine Shoals to the North of Legendre Island, while the irregular boundary of the 2012 green zone made it very hard to know if you are inside or outside of the prohibited fishing area.

 Ningaloo Commonwealth Marine Park

The current plans have  116km2 of green zones which align to the state marine park boundaries providing shore to shelf connectivity while the 2012 plans didn’t have any green or yellow zones.

Kimberley Commonwealth Marine Park

The current plans provide 4000km2 more green and yellow zones compared to the 2012 plans and they also improve accessibility for Broome fishers who are known to fish within 30nm of the coastline from Cape Leveque to Broome and within 90nm of Broome.

For a full comparison of the zoning between the current plans and the 2012 plans click here:

Commonwealth marine park – 2019 election comparison of zoning

It should be noted that all sectors of the Australian fishing industry fully support the current management plans, which were created following years of consultation and which achieve a good balance between sustainability and the right of Australians to catch fish, eat fish and make a living from the ocean.

To read a joint industry letter supporting the current management plan, click here.

To view fishing identity Al McGlashan’s view on marine parks, click here.

Recfishwest, The Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation, Game Fishing Association of Australia, Australian Fishing Trade Association and Seafood Industry Australia have all expressed support for the current management plans, agreeing they achieve an acceptable balance between sustainability and access to Australia’s fish resources. These groups unanimously agree the current plans are a vast improvement on the Frankenstein like 2012 plans Labor wants to bring back to life.

While the Labor Party has been a vocal critic of the current marine park management plans for the Coral Sea they have been largely silent on the current management plans for marine parks in Western Australia. Could this be because the current management plans provide more access to important fishing areas? Or could it be because the current plans provide greater environmental protection in areas where it is needed than the 2012 plans ever did? Or could it simply be the needs of Western Australians are once again playing second fiddle to the Eastern States?

If you get a chance to talk to any of your local candidates in the upcoming election on behalf of the 750,000 Western Australians who go fishing every year, I urge you ask these candidates to pledge their support for maintaining Western Australia’s existing marine park management plans. Regardless of who wins the upcoming election the current management plans are far better than the 2012 plans and all candidates who support fishing and who truly support the environment should support retaining the current plans until they are due for review in 2028.

More Places to Fish, More Fish to Catch

Cast a vote in the 2017 State Election – How your vote could affect your fishing

Recfishwest works tirelessly to protect, promote and develop sustainable, accessible, enjoyable and safe fishing for the benefit of the community. With the 2017 state election fast approaching Recfishwest is working to ensure fishers are given the acknowledgement and consideration they deserve.

While Recfishwest has no political affiliation and will never tell anyone how they should vote, we do represent hundreds of thousands of members of the voting public that access the community owned fish resources of Western Australia. With this in mind, we are committed to informing you about all commitments made by registered political parties that are likely to impact on your fishing experiences and let you decide for yourself.

As in previous elections, Recfishwest has provided all political parties with our election “Package for Better Fishing in WA” and have asked each party whether they support this package. In our March Broadcast, we will provide an update outlining the level of support each party has provided for this package and compare the fishing related commitments made by each political party.

Recfishwest’s “Package for Better Fishing in WA” aligns with our vision of ensuring great fishing experiences for all in the WA community forever and will protect, promote and develop sustainable, accessible, enjoyable and safe fishing for the benefit of the whole community.

It is worth noting that Recfishwest expects current funding levels for Recfishwest, the Recreational Fishing Initiatives Fund and Fishability (formally Fishers with Disabilities) are maintained and as such have not included these in our election package, however, we will inform you if any party plans to change current funding levels for these.

In developing our “Package for Better Fishing in WA” Recfishwest acknowledge the state is currently bound by financial challenges and as such we have developed a fiscally responsible package that contains a number of policy commitments that would benefit fishing at zero cost to government.

The “Package for Better Fishing in WA” contains a number of aspirations and commitments to improve fishing experiences. These fall into two main categories:
• Creating more places to fish, and
• Providing more fish to catch.

More Places to Fish

1. Building the best fishing spots in Australia:

This will see artificial reefs for Albany, Perth, Carnarvon, Broome, Karratha, Port Hedland and Geraldton as well as FADs for Geraldton, Jurien Bay, Broome, Bunbury, Port Hedland, Carnarvon and Perth /Peel. (These reefs and FADs are in addition to artificial reefs in Esperance, Exmouth and Karratha and FADS in Kalbarri, Exmouth and Albany that have already been committed to through the RFIF)

2. Unlocking inland waters:

Recfishwest is calling for impoundments and urban waters to be opened for stocking of popular Australian Native freshwater fish such as Golden Perch, Silver Perch, Murray Cod and Aussie Bass.

3. Breathing life into waterways:

This involves the rehabilitation of shoreline vegetation and establishment of nursery habitats in selected estuaries including the Swan/Canning River.

mulloway reefs

More Fish to Catch

1. 10 million more fish to catch:

Recfishwest is calling for the stocking of 10 million fish including Australian Native Freshwater Fish, Barramundi, Mulloway, Blue Swimmer Crabs, Pink Snapper and Prawns as well as support for hatcheries used in breeding fish for these stocking programs.

2. A better deal for Peel:

The Peel-Harvey Stewardship Package Recfishwest has developed includes a fair and reasonable buyout of some commercial fishing licences, better recreational data collection and management changes to make your experiences fishing for Yellowfin Whiting and Blue Swimmer Crabs better.

3. A fair go for fishers:

Recfishwest is calling for policy changes to support fishing. These changes include:

a. Prioritising Lower West Coast Blue Swimmer Crabs for recreational and tourism purposes.
b. Prohibiting gillnets and beach-seine netting in proximity to coastal towns.
c. Rationalising current commercial fishing pressure in our estuaries.
d. Prioritising Salmon as a key sport fishing and tourism resource.

The commitments contained in Recfishwest’s “Package for Better Fishing in WA” represent an investment of $15 million over four years. Considering the government receives $7.5 million dollars every year through recreational fishing licence fees and that fishing is one of the state’s most popular recreational activities contributing hundreds of millions to the WA economy every year the package Recfishwest has presented to all parties is more than reasonable.

Recfishwest is also in discussions with political parties who wish to make commitments to benefit recreational fishing in WA that fall outside of our “Package for Better Fishing in WA”.

To help ensure fishing receives a fair go this election, ask your local candidates to commit to providing you with more places to fish and more fish to catch.