The Fisheries Advisory Council was a key element in the Victorian Coalition Government’s election commitment to restore effective and pro-active consultation that involves all fisheries sectors.
“The Fisheries Advisory Council will build understanding and consensus among sectors on the best approaches to improving Victoria’s fisheries management,” Mr Walsh said.
“I will be asking the Council for advice on issues such as making management more efficient and flexible, improving security of access, developing stewardship incentives and maximising value of our fisheries resources.
“The Council will provide quality advice to Government through 14 members who each have a broad range of expertise and experience.
“The number of members on the Council reflects the diverse nature of commercial and recreational fishing sectors in Victoria, each with their own unique challenges, potential solutions and different perspectives and views.”
Mr Walsh said the Coalition Government would propose to introduce a Bill into Parliament later this year to embed the Council in legislation. In the interim, the Council will operate in a non-statutory capacity.
“The proposed legislation will amend the Fisheries Act 1995 to establish the Council as a cross-sector body whose purpose will be to provide advice to the Agriculture and Food Security Minister on addressing the challenges and opportunities facing Victoria’s fishers,” Mr Walsh said.
Mr Walsh thanked inaugural chair Peter Neville and all other members for agreeing to serve on the inaugural Council.
“Peter Neville has many years’ experience in fisheries management and has previously held various executive positions in fisheries management at both State and Commonwealth government levels,” Mr Walsh said.
