NSW State Election2015 Fisho's Guide

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Taken from FW email newsletter

Editted most of the drivel out to leave the main points

04 Feb 2015

WHILE core matters such as education, law and order and healthcare rightly remain the main concerns facing the voting public, it’s fair to say that recreational fishing issues have increased in political prominence in recent years.

Concerns over unfair lock-outs continue to dominate the rec fishing political agenda, but other issues such as moves to restrict or remove inshore commercial netting, co-ordinated habitat protection plans, the development of more rec-only areas, angling representation, better policy development and plans for more effective political engagement are now being seen as vital considerations when fishos head to the ballot box.

And there’s no doubt the angling vote can make a difference. Consider, for example, the recent Victorian election, where a campaign led by the tackle industry, grass roots anglers and the Keep Australia Fishing organisation saw both major parties pledge to remove netting from Port Phillip Bay in order to make it a “recreational fishing Meccaâ€.

In order for NSW anglers to be able to make an informed choice at the ballot box, Fishing World has compiled responses from the two major political parties, plus relevant minor parties.

Responses to our questions from the:

Liberal National Party-
/>http://yaffacdn.s3.amazonaws.com/live/fishing/files/dmfile/Fishing-World-NSW-2015-election-voting-guide-Final-libnat1.pdf

Labor-
/>http://yaffacdn.s3.amazonaws.com/live/fishing/files/dmfile/Fishing-World-NSW-2015-election-voting-guide-alp1.doc

Shooters & Fishers-
/>http://yaffacdn.s3.amazonaws.com/live/fishing/files/dmfile/Fishing-World-NSW-2015-election-voting-guide-shooters1.docx

Outdoor Recreation Paty-
/>http://yaffacdn.s3.amazonaws.com/live/fishing/files/dmfile/resposnses-outdoor-rec-party1.doc

Greens-
/>http://yaffacdn.s3.amazonaws.com/live/fishing/files/dmfile/Fishing-World-Magazine-Jan-2015-greens1.pdf

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Taken from FW email newsletter

04 Feb 2015

Here are the key responses from the Coalition and Labor to questions about the 2015 NSW election put forward by Fishing World.

KEY VOTING CHOICES IN NSW

Marine Parks

Coalition – Maintain moratorim pending advice from Marine Estate Expert Knowledge Panel.

Labor – Will “consolidate†marine protected areas in Sydney, no plans for any further marine parks.

Rec-only Areas

Coalition – No “immediate plans†to create any new RFHs.

Labor – Labor will look to expand the network of recreational fishing havens, including in Sydney Harbour.

“Low risk†fishing in Sanctuary Zones

Coalition – Rezoning 10 sites up and down the NSW coastline from sanctuary to habitat protection zones, which will permanently open these sites to shore-based recreational line fishing.

Labor – Labor is willing to act on scientific advice and allow low risk fishing activities if they are appropriate in an area as part of reviews of zonings.

Parliamentary Secretary representing rec fishing

Coalition – Would keep the rec sector within the overall Ministerial portfolio.

Labor – Will commit to appointing a Parliamentary Secretary for Recreational Fishing.

Commitment to a rec fishing policy

Coalition – Will release a four-year plan for recreational fishing prior to election.

Labor – Labor will release a recreational fishing policy prior to the election and will commit to a recreational fishing policy in Government.

Independent peak body

Coalition – Keen to see the establishment of a peak body for recreational fishers and could provide initial set-up funding. Into the future, the group would be best to operate as an independently funded entity.

Labor - A universally recognised peak body would simplify consultation processes but Labor will not dictate who that should be and we would not exclude individuals or groups from consultations as long as they engage constructively and apolitically.