A re-elected Labor Government says it will give the Gippsland Lakes back to recreational anglers, phasing out commercial fishing to boost local tourism and create jobs by opting with a compulsory licence buyout.
Shortly after it was announced the Liberal Nationals Coalition would support a voluntary buyout, giving the 10 Gippsland Lakes commercial netting licence holders the option, the Labor Government said removing the nets from the Gippsland Lakes will mean more fish for recreational anglers and more fishing tourists for the local economy.
The Gippsland Lakes commercial net fisherman have been operating since 1876, however a decline in fish stocks and a drop in licence from 42 in 1981 to 10 as of now, has played a role in the buyout situation.
Labor says it will buy out the last commercial fishing licences in the Lakes over four years and introduce a sliding catch cap, with all licences to be removed by 2022.
Labor candidate for the seat of Gippsland East, Mark Reeves, said the compulsory buyout is a huge positive for recreational anglers.
“When it comes to recreational fishers only a Labor Government will deliver the support they need and return these waters back to them,” he said.
The Labor Government has already started buying out commercial fishing licences to end netting in Port Phillip Bay by 2022 and Corio Bay by the end of this year.
The Labor Government says just as they have been in Port Phillip Bay and Corio Bay, Gippsland Lakes licensees will be properly compensated as part of the buyout.
In another boost for Gippsland tourism, Labor will invest $1.5 million for a new onwater cafe on Bullock Island in partnership with the Lakes Entrance Fishermen’s Co-Operative Society, joining the chorus started by the Coalition back in May when Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, announced $1.5 million into the $4.5 project.
The cafe will be a major drawcard for visitors and locals alike, selling fresh local fish and featuring a viewing area and waterfront decking.
Labor will also invest $200,000 for the Victorian Fisheries Authority to develop a fishing tourism plan in consultation with recreational fishers, tourism boards and local government.
