CHESTER BACKS PLAN TO PROTECT FISHING AND TOURISM
August 2, 2010
Gippsland’s recreational anglers and commercial fishermen could be shut out of 30% of Australia’s territorial waters if the Rudd-Gillard Government is re-elected on August 21, according to The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester.
Mr Chester said a preference deal between the Greens and Labor means the Greens may hold the balance of power in the Senate from July next year.
The preference deal means the Greens’ policy of banning fishing in 30% of Australia’s territorial waters could be introduced if the Rudd-Gillard Government is re-elected.
Mr Chester said the recreational fishing industry contributed nearly $200 million to the Gippsland economy and generated more than 1000 jobs through the tourism sector. The commercial fishing industry, primarily based in Lakes Entrance, also generated in excess of $150 million worth of economic activity.
“This is typical of the Greens’ policies,” Mr Chester said.
“They appeal to the inner urban voters with feelgood ideas but ignore the real world implication on regional families who work in the affected industries.
“If the Greens MPs have their way, the recreational and commercial fishing industries will be undermined and the timber harvesting sector will be destroyed.”
Mr Chester said Gippslanders had several reasons to be concerned about what Labor and the Greens have in store for the future of both recreational and commercial fishing, as a result of their secret preference deal.
“A vote for Labor is a vote for the Greens and a vote to lock out recreational anglers and commercial fishermen from almost a third of our nation’s territorial waters,” Mr Chester said.
“The Labor Party has refused to announce what policies in the Greens’ platform it is willing to accept as part of the preference deal.”
Mr Chester said the marine environment would be protected under the Coalition without massive costs to regional communities.
Under a Coalition Government immediate action would be taken to freeze the marine bioregional planning process and consult with industry to establish sensible and balanced marine park boundaries and management plans.
“Residents in communities that rely on the fishing and tourism industries already understand the need for a balanced approach to be taken when working towards marine conservation,” Mr Chester said.
“The Coalition will undertake to balance environmental and cultural preservation with the needs of fishing industries and local communities.
“The marine bioregional planning process will be immediately suspended and sensible and balanced marine park boundaries and management plans established in consultation with industry.
“Marine Protected Areas will be based on science with all evidence of threats to marine biodiversity made available to all stakeholders in a fair and balanced consultation process.”
