A FISHING forum will be held in Lancelin on Tuesday, January 20 to provide fishers and stakeholders the opportunity to have their say on the Cook Government’s recent demersal fishing bans
The Nationals WA leader and Mid West MLA Shane Love MLA, who will host the forum, said the sudden and sweeping decisions by the Cook Government had left both commercial and recreational fishers reeling.
“Fishers across Western Australia have been blindsided by decisions made without genuine consultation, and many feel their voices have been ignored,” he said.
“This forum is about listening directly to the people who are being affected – the commercial operators, recreational fishers, small businesses and families who rely on fishing for their livelihoods and their communities.”
Mr Love said coastal communities like Lancelin were already feeling the economic and social impacts of the government’s approach to fisheries management.
“Fishing is not just an industry in towns like Lancelin – it is part of the culture, the identity and the social fabric of the community.’’
Opposition Fisheries spokeswoman Kirrilee Warr, who will join Mr Love at the forum, said the Nationals had consistently called for a more transparent, science-based and consultative approach to fisheries management, including proper engagement with industry and local communities.
“The state government should be working with fishers to develop a long-term, sustainable plan for our fisheries – not imposing last-minute, heavy-handed bans that devastate families and regional economies,” she said.
“The message from the fishing community is clear: they want to be heard and they deserve a seat at the table.”
They encouraged anyone with an interest in the future of fishing in Western Australia to attend the forum and share their views.
The forum will be held at the Lancelin Angling and Aquatic Club, with registrations essential due to limited venue capacity.
Register to attend the forum here
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