THE NSW Department of Primary Industries has extended the date for submissions on proposed changes to the commercial fisheries industry.
Primary Industries Minister Katrina Hodgkinson said the closing date for submissions on the Commercial Fisheries Reform Program has been extended to 5pm, Friday 30 May.
“The NSW Government is undertaking a comprehensive consultation process as part of the Commercial Fisheries Reform Program, which aims to improve the long-term viability of the commercial fishing industry,” Ms Hodgkinson said.
“Before any key decisions are made, the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) will comprehensively study the range of views put forward during the consultation process, in order to make these options as fair as possible.
“It is important that fishers use this period to advise how they believe the options could be best modified or improved.
“The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government has allocated $16 million to assist those commercial fishers wanting to leave the industry to do so, in the form of exit grants.”
Ms Hodgkinson said NSW DPI Fisheries Managers had completed a series of port visits, held at Sydney, Galston, Newcastle, Forster/Tuncurry, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Maclean, Ballina, Tweed Heads, Lake Illawarra, Ulladulla, Batemans Bay, Bermagui and Eden.
“I have personally met with a number of commercial fishers on the North and South Coasts and acknowledge that the issues are complex and some major concerns have been raised during the consultation process,” Ms Hodgkinson said.
“I strongly urge commercial and recreational anglers, and other interested members of the community, to carefully examine the options papers and make a submission.
“At the completion of the consultation process the submissions, input from key stakeholder groups and advice from DPI will be considered by an independent Structural Adjustment Review Committee, which will then provide advice to the NSW Government.”
The options papers and further information about the Commercial Fisheries Reform Program can be found at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/commercial/reform.
