2008 Recfishwest Annual General Meeting

Notice of Annual General Meeting
To be held on
Friday 24 October 2008 at 7.30 pm
in the Wardroom, Fremantle Sailing Club
Success Harbour,
Marine Terrace, FREMANTLE

The following information will be posted to Recfishwest members commencing 7 October.

The Minister for Fisheries, Hon Norman Moore, MLC, has accepted an invitation and will attend this Annual General Meeting.

Dear Member of Recfishwest

As the Executive Director of Recfishwest I have great pleasure in advising that the Recfishwest 2008 Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on Friday 24 October in the "Wardroom" at the Fremantle Sailing Club on Marine Terrace, Fremantle commencing at 7.30pm.

The enclosed information includes a proxy voting form. If you wish to cast your vote using the proxy voting form, it must be returned to us before 23 October to be counted.

The AGM will include elections to fill a number of Public Board Member positions as well as one Special General Board Member position on the Recfishwest Board of Management.

The AGM also provides the opportunity for Recfishwest members to discuss any matters of relevance regarding recreational fisheries management and share some refreshments at the conclusion of the formal proceedings.

BOARD MEMBER ELECTIONS

At the 2008 AGM there will be vacancies for:

• Four Public Board Members for two-year terms
• One Special General Board Member for a two-year term and
• Two Public Board Member for a one-year balance of term

These vacancies follow the completion of terms of Norman Halse, Des Wood, Craig Leatt-Hayter, Allan Bevan and a Special General Board Member term of the Australian Fishing Tackle Association (AFTA). All are eligible to re-nominate. The two one-year balances of terms have arisen from the resignations of Dr Howard Gill and Mark Morris part way through their two-year terms.

An election is required to determine who shall fill these vacancies. Nominations to fill these vacant positions are open to Public Members of Recfishwest.

The four candidates with the greatest number of votes will be elected to a two-year term. The fifth and sixth candidate with the greatest number of votes will be elected to the two one-year balances of terms. The two-year term for the Special General Board Member position will be filled by either the Australian Fishing Tackle Association or the Charter Boat Owners and Operators Association, depending on which of the two Associations gains the greatest number of votes. A further casual vacancy for one year may arise if the Chairman of Recfishwest is elected from amongst the Public Board Members at the first Board meeting following the AGM.

ONLY financial members will be entitled to vote at the AGM, so please renew your membership if required. We will have contacted you separately if your membership is due to expire before the AGM. Information copies of the Ballot papers and voting information are attached.

GENERAL BOARD MEMBERS

Nominations have been called for General Board Members from the relevant Associations. The current representatives are in brackets:

• Australian Anglers Association (AAA)
(Terry Fuller and alternative Board member Pat Shinnick)

• Australian National Sportfishing Association (ANSA)
(Stephen Gilders)

• Australian Underwater Federation (AUF)
(Joe Petrovich and alternative Board member Paul McKeown)

• WA Game Fishing Association (WAGFA)
(John Webber)

• WA Trout and Freshwater Angling Association (WATFAA)
(Harry Vosper and alternative Board member Jim Boardman)

• Australian Fishing Tackle Association (AFTA)
(Ben Patrick and alternative Board member Jonathon Weston)

Yours sincerely

Frank B Prokop

Executive Director
7 October 2008

Staff and 2007/2008 Board Members

PROFESSIONAL OFFICERS

Frank B Prokop Executive Director

Kane Moyle Policy Officer

Con Costa Administrative Officer

Yvette Guy Administrative Assistant/Fishing Clinic Coordinator

BOARD OF MANAGEMENT as at 1st August 2008

*     Craig Leatt-Hayter,,Chairman, Public Board Member, Chair Executive Committee, Chair Audit Committee

*     Norman Halse, Deputy Chair, Public Board Member, Chair Research Sub Committee

*     Des Wood, Public Board Member, Chair Policy Development Committee

*     Allan Bevan, Public Board Member

*** Howard Gill, Public Board Member

      Jamie Chester, Public Board Member

*** Mark Morris, Public Board Member

**  Steven Gill, Public Board Member

      John Webber, General Board Member (WAGFA), Chair-Sport Development Committee

      Harry Vosper, General Board Member (WATFAA)

      Stephen Gilders, General Board Member (ANSA)

      Terry Fuller, General Board Member (AAA), Chair Communications and Membership Committee

      Joe Petrovich, General Board Member (AUF)

      Ben Patrick, Special General Board Member (AFTA)

*    Vacancies are due to completion of term.
**  Currently backfilling for the Chairman position and will be required to be filled if a Public Board Member is elected as Chairman.
*** Resigned part way through two-year term.

Agenda Recfishwest Annual General Meeting

1. Welcome

2. Apologies

3. Acceptance of Minutes of 2007 Annual General Meeting (AGM)

4. Adoption of Annual Report, Financial Statements and Auditor's Report

5. Appointment of Auditor

6. General Business

6.1 Fee structure

6.2 Nominations to the Board of Management

7. Close formal part of AGM

8. Reports

8.1 Chairman's report

8.2 Executive Director's report

Questions from the floor will be taken once the AGM agenda items have been covered.

The Minister for Fisheries, Hon Norman Moore, MLC, has accepted an invitation and will attend this Annual General Meeting.

Annual General Meeting - Background Paper

AGENDA ITEM 6.1 Fee Structure

The Constitution describes that member fees shall be set at the Annual General Meeting. Notice of the Annual General Meeting and papers must be forwarded no less than 14 days before the meeting itself.

The date for the Annual General Meeting is 24 October 2008.

Public Members:

No changes proposed to current membership fees;

Single membership ....... $20.00

Family membership 2 adults and 2 children living at home ....$40.00

Over 65........ $10.00

Under 18....... $10.00

(All GST inclusive).

General Members:

No change proposed to existing fee of $75.00 plus minimum of 10 additional names and membership fee at $200.00. (All GST inclusive).

Associate Members:

Category 1 Businesses with a commercial interest in recreational fishing .$275.00

Category 2 Fishing Clubs with more than 50 members $60.00 plus provision of three names as members

Category 3 Fishing Clubs with fewer than 50 members $40.00 plus provision of two names as members.

Category 4 School Members .. . $20.00 for all schools receiving a fishing clinic. May be in the name of the school or an individual but will require an email address.

(All GST inclusive).

For the consideration of the Members of Recfishwest.

AGENDA ITEM 6.2 Nominations to the Board of Management

Nominations received;

Nine nominations have been received for the four (4) two year term and two (2) one year balance of term Public Board Member positions available.

A further casual vacancy for one year may arise if at the first Board meeting following the AGM, the Chairman of Recfishwest is elected from amongst the Public Board Members. The Board will determine how to fill this position at that time.

Board Members Candidates' Background Sheet

Following is background information on Nominees seeking a position on the Recfishwest Board of Management;

There are four vacancies for two year terms and two vacancies for one year balance of terms Public Board Member positions. There is also a potential one year term to backfill a position if the chairman elected is a Public Board Member.

The four candidates who receive the highest number of votes will be elected as Public Board Members for a two year term. The two candidates with the next highest number of votes will be elected as Public Board Members for the one year balance of terms. Unsuccessful candidates will be placed on an eligibility list, one of whom may be chosen to backfill the Chairman's position.

The following information has been supplied by the candidates to assist in making a selection for the Board positions. The order of information has been determined by a random draw.

Andrew Rowland (Elected to the Recfishwest Board at the AGM, 24 October 2008)

Andrew is a keen recreational fisher with a good understanding of issues concerning the research, development and management of fisheries in Western Australia. He has a degree with honours in marine biology in the last stages of a PhD candidature at Murdoch University.

Andrew has worked with Recfishwest in the past as both a part-time employee, co-ordinating fish tagging and associated research liaison, and as a volunteer presenting seminars, fishing clinics and assisting research outcomes. Much of the research Andrew has been involved in is based around recreational fishing, in particular best handling practices and post release survival, it has also involved large community extension and science communication components.

Andrew has also carried out research on rare and threatened fishes, in particular, the Northern River Shark and the Freshwater Sawfish, in riverine and estuary regions of the Kimberley and Northern Territory.

Andrew co-ordinated the highly regarded FRDC 'Samson Science' research project, which involved the development and publication of handling protocols for the Samson Fish sportfishery (with the assistance of DoFWA).

Matthew Gillett (Elected to the Recfishwest Board at the AGM, 24 October 2008)

Matt is currently a Tackle Store Manager who has a Diploma in Marine Studies in Fisheries Management.

Matt participated in the Recfishwest's Inaugural Young Future Leader's program at the Abrolhos Islands earlier this year. Matt feels that with the knowledge gained from this program he can make a positive contribution to the Recfishwest Board as well as offering the perspective of some of the younger recreational anglers.

Having worked in the tackle industry for the past four years, Matt has listened to many and varied opinions from recreational anglers in terms of Fisheries Management.

Matt spent most of his childhood on Christmas Island and was privileged to enjoy the fishing available in that area and then on returning to Perth saw him entering various bream tournaments as well as annual trips to the North of Western Australia.

Matt regularly writes about his fishing experiences in various local magazines and appeared in the Recfishwest Release Weight DVD.

Steven Gill (Re-elected to the Recfishwest Board at the AGM, 24 October 2008)

Steven is a very keen recreational angler and diver. His secret passion is fly fishing and has spent a great deal of his free time travelling and fishing within Australia and around the world.

Steven has extensive experience in the fishing industry in a range of different roles. The majority of Steven's working life has been spent working with the fishing industry in research roles.

He has had industry advocate roles as the Executive Officer of the NSW Seafood Industry Council and the Master Fish Merchants Association of Australia. Last year, after 5 years of service, Steven resigned from the position as the Executive Director of the Western Rock Lobster Council to a new position within the housing industry.

Steven was elected to the Board of Recfishwest for a one year term last year and also served on the Executive Committee. He has brought a broad perspective to the Board of Recfishwest and his experience with the promotion of community and business events has been important. Steven can assist the recreational fishing sector better manage the challenges that lay ahead particularly Marine Park Planning and environmental threats like climate change.

Steven has a great deal to offer and wants to be involved with fishing in a voluntary capacity.

Peter Blyth

Peter Blyth is a keen fisherman and has fished in Australian waters from Gabo Island in New South Wales around to Leeman in Western Australia for many years.

Peter is currently a member of the Metropolitan Recreational Fisheries Advisory Committee.

During Peter's working life he came to Western Australia to manage a printing and packaging operation employing 265 people. Following this he owned and ran one of the larger aquarium dealerships in Western Australia. Peter is a past Board member of Recfishwest and is looking to continue his contribution.

Andrew Matthews

Andrew Matthews has professional training in the area of botany and plant ecology. He therefore has a good understanding of ecological processes and ecosystem management.

Andrew is a very keen recreational fisher with wide ranging fishing experience throughout Western Australia on a broad range of species. Andrew is viewed as an innovative angler and hopes to bring this perspective to the development of recreational fisheries management.

Andrew has been widely published in a number of fishing magazines and writes regular columns for Hotbite magazine. Andrew's profile was recognised when he was invited to attend a meeting on developing West Coast management options with the Minister for Fisheries.

Craig Leatt-Hayter (Re-elected to the Recfishwest Board at the AGM, 24 October 2008)

Craig was first introduced to fishing by his father in the early 1960's and has always maintained an active interest in the area. While growing up a range of other sports often took precedence over fishing though in recent years competing in various bream fishing competitions has become a focus point.

Craig can regularly be seen out on the Swan River in his black polycraft boat which is set up for the bream tournaments, often accompanied by his partner Paula. Sadly she often out fishes him but we won't mention that too much!

Together their blended family consists of three children; two boys aged 28 and 22 and one girl of 19 years. While fishing is not high on the kid's list of priorities currently, Craig is determined that positive action now will ensure that the option of indulging in such a wonderful pastime is a viable option for them in the future.

Aside from occupying a senior position within the WA Department of Health, Craig's other interests include Post Graduate studies at Curtin University; and being Director of the WA Bream Classic fishing competitions. Craig represented Western Australia in the Australian final of the ABT Bream Fishing competition held in Ballina NSW in October 2006 and in 2008 will once again be representing WA in the Classic Championships being held on the Clarence River, New South Wales.

Craig has been a Board member for the past three years and last year was elected as Recfishwest Chairman.

Norman Halse (Re-elected to the Recfishwest Board at the AGM, 24 October 2008)

Norm Halse is an agricultural scientist by training and worked for forty years with the Western Australian Department of Agriculture, finishing his career as Director General. He believes that his experience in natural resource management both in Australia and in international agencies is of considerable value to him in his interest in fishery management.

Norm has served in a number of government committees, he is currently the Recfishwest representative on the Recreational Fisheries Advisory Committee (RFAC) and is one of the three man Integrated Fisheries Allocation Advisory Committee (IFAAC). Norm has been a member of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and Chairman of the National Parks and Nature Conservation Authority. He believes that there should be no conflict between responsible fishing and sensible nature conservation; but unfortunately extremists and irresponsible people keep creating conflict.

Norm is primarily a small boat fisherman with a keen interest in Rottnest Island; but he has fished Western Australian waters from the Ord River to Esperance. He does not catch as many fish now as he used to, but claims that this is a combination of changing fish populations, changing fishing ethics and too many meetings to attend.

Norman has been a Board member of Recfishwest since its inception. Norman was Chairman of the Policy Development Committee for two years, Deputy Chairman of Recfishwest for two years and Chairman for two years. Norman is the current Deputy Chairman of Recfishwest and Chairman of the Research Committee of Recfishwest.

Michael Sawyer

Michael is passionate young angler with an affinity with the marine environment. Since graduating from Murdoch University in 2006 with a BSc Major in Marine Science and Minor in Applied Statistics Michael has quickly gather a wide range of experience in marine ecosystem management. Whilst studying at Murdoch University, Michael took part in several environmental projects including the Recreational Fishing Creel Survey on the Blackwood River near Augusta. Michael has also been a volunteer and Team Leader with the Ningaloo Turtle Monitoring Program in Exmouth.

Michael is well traveled internationally and upon completing his University studies Michael was employed by Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, Canada as a Research Assistant. Michael has since returned to Western Australia where he was a graduate of Recfishwest's inaugural Young Future Leaders Program.

Michael has just completed the FRDC National Seafood Leadership Course working on a program to develop an online recreational fishing data log-book. Michael is the first recreational participant to be selected for this course.

Des Wood (Re-elected to the Recfishwest Board at the AGM, 24 October 2008)

Des has been a keen fisherman for many years and in that time has been aware of a gradual but significant decline in fishing stocks and in some cases access restrictions to many prime fishing areas around the state. As a father of two and grandfather of three, Des is keen to ensure that the pleasure he has gained, not only in catching fish but in enjoying the friendship which exists among fishers will be something that future generations can also experience.

He has concerns that at most times commercial considerations and the unnecessary provision of fishing "no take" zones in Marine Parks are being put ahead of the interests of recreational fishers. He believes that with careful management of the existing resource including quotas and appropriate bag limits, adequate fish stocks can be sustained to allow an equitable sharing of that resource among all users.

Des' interest covers more than just angling, but extends to crabbing and other shell fish with particular emphasis on the Peel fishery. Des has had a very close involvement with the Recfishwest fishing clinics initiative.

Des has been a Board member of Recfishwest since its inception and in that time has been Chairman of the Communications Committee for three years, Deputy Chairman for two years and Chairman of the Recfishwest Board for three years. Des has also represented recreational fishing interests on the Rock Lobster Industry Advisory Committee for the last eight years, is Chairman of the RLIAC Compliance Sub-Committee and is also the Recreational Representative on the Abalone Management Advisory Committee.

Tim Carter - AFTA - WA (This position is not being contested) (Elected to the Recfishwest Board at the AGM, 24 October 2008)

Tim has been the Marketing Manager of Halco Tackle Company for the past four years and deals with members of the community and the fishing tackle industry both on a domestic and international basis and is well versed with the issues facing the recreational sectors from both an industry and anglers perspective.

Tim has been an enthusiastic fisherman all his life and a current member of the Perth Game Fishing Club and Recfishwest. From the age of 6 his family have owned a number of small boats and fished regularly, mostly bottom fishing in the Shark Bay and Kalbarri regions. Tim has also been fortunate enough to have fished all over Australia and internationally and his fishing experience extends from Walpole on the South Coast to the north Kimberley coast from both shore and boats.

He joined the Perth Game Fishing club in 1986 and won the clubs Champion Angler and was also the Champion Angler in the WA Open Games Fishing for that same year. Tim has also served two years as the PGFC's secretary in 1992 and 1993 and a total of four years on the club's committee. He was also a member of the ANSA club and served a year as its Vice President.

Minutes of 2007 Recfishwest Annual General Meeting

The Minutes of the 2007 Recfishwest Annual General Meeting, held 19 October 2007 will be presented for confirmation by members at the 2008 Annual General Meeting.

MINUTES OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Held on Friday 19th October 2007 at the Bridge Room, Fremantle Sailing Club, "Success Harbour" Marine Terrace, Fremantle

1. WELCOME

The Chairman, Des Wood declared the meeting open at 7.40pm and welcomed all those present. Members were provided with a folder containing the agenda, Minutes of 2006 Annual General Meeting, nominee's background sheet and Recfishwest Annual Report. The Chairman gave a brief outline of what would be covered and advised that once the formal proceedings of the AGM had been dealt with, questions would then be taken.

Present:

Recfishwest staff:

Frank Prokop Executive Director

Con Costa Administrative Officer

Yvette Guy Administrative Assistant

2. APOLOGIES

Apologies were received from:

3. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES OF 2006 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM)

The Chairman called for discussion and ratification of minutes from the Annual General Meeting of 27th October 2006.

Harry Vosper moved that the minutes of the AGM of 27th October 2006 be accepted as a true and accurate record of proceedings. This was seconded by Peter Blyth. All were unanimously in favour.

4. ADOPTION OF ANNUAL REPORT, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND AUDITOR'S REPORT

The Executive Director reported on Recfishwest's financial position during the past twelve months and directed members to the audited financial statements which formed part of the Recfishwest Annual Report.

Members were invited to make comment or question any matters pertaining to the Annual Report including the Financial Statements and Auditor's Report. There were no questions regarding the content of the Annual Report from the floor.

Norman Halse moved that the 2006/2007 Annual Report including the Financial Statements and the Auditor's Report be accepted. This was seconded by George Holman. All were unanimously in favour.

5. APPOINTMENT OF AUDITOR

The Executive Director advised that Recfishwest had used the services of Chartered Accountants Anderson, Munro & Wyllie who have taken over our previous Auditor's practice.

Harry Vosper moved that Anderson, Munro & Wylie be re-appointed as Recfishwest Auditor for a further period of twelve months. This was seconded by Steven Gill. All were unanimously in favour.

6. GENERAL BUSINESS

6.1 Fee structure

The Chairman explained that the Recfishwest Board had proposed a change to the Membership fee structure for all categories. The schedule of proposed changes to the current membership fees for each of the categories was tabled.

Public Members: Proposed to change membership fee to $20.00 GST inclusive. Family member: $40.00 for two adults and two children living at home. Two votes at the AGM or SGM per family membership. Pensioner (over 65), junior members (under 18): $10.00 GST inclusive.

General Members: Change existing fee to $75.00 GST inclusive plus minimum of 10 additional names and membership fee at $200.00 (No net change to overall fee).

Associate Members:

Category 1 Businesses with a commercial interest in recreational fishing - $275.00 GST inclusive.

Category 2 Fishing Clubs with more than 50 members - $60.00 GST inclusive plus provision of three names as members

Category 3 Fishing Clubs with fewer than 50 members - $40.00 GST inclusive plus provision of two names as members.

Category 4 Corresponding members (by invitation) - This category to be changed to School Members. $20.00 minimum for all schools receiving a fishing clinic. May be in the name of the school or an individual but will require an email address.

David Findlay moved that the proposed Recfishwest fee structure is changed. This was seconded by Doug Fisher. All were unanimously in favour.

6.2 Nominations to the Board of Management

The Executive Director explained that there were vacancies for three Public Board Members for two year terms. These vacancies followed the completion of term of Craig Bibra, Howard Gill and Keith Tocas.

It was suggested that the Executive Director, Administrative Officer and Administrative Assistant fill the roles of Returning Officer and Scrutineers, respectively. Once voting by members present had been completed and ballots placed into the ballot box. The Returning Officer and Scrutineers left the room so that votes could be tallied.

Once votes had been counted, the Executive Director announced that Jamie Chester, Howard Gill and Mark Morris had been elected to serve two year terms on the Recfishwest Board of Management.

The Chairman thanked outgoing Board Member Peter Blyth for his contribution to the Board over the past 12 months.

The Executive Director explained that if at the board meeting following the AGM, the Chairman is elected from amongst the Public Board Members, this would give rise to a casual one year term vacancy. If this situation did occur then the position could be filled by the unsuccessful candidate who had been placed on an eligibility list.

7. CLOSE FORMAL PART OF AGM

The Chairman declared the formal part of the meeting closed 8.25pm.

8. REPORTS

8.1 Chairman's Report

The Chairman referred to his report which was tabled as part of the Annual Report. He informed members that it had been an extremely busy year in which Recfishwest has represented our constituents in an ever increasing number of issues relating to recreational angling including access to and sustainability of the resource.

Due to budgetary constraints, staff numbers were reduced during the year. He commended the current staff for their significant contribution due to the loss of these staff members.

The Chairman also informed members of the Minister for Fisheries request to increase the size of the Recfishwest membership to 1,000 members by December 2007. The annual Mandurah Boatshow was very successful in Recfishwest's membership drive which recruited 170 new members. The Chairman encouraged existing members to assist in the recruitment of new members.

8.2 Executive Director's Report

The Executive Director referred to his tabled report and spoke on a number of issues which Recfishwest had dealt with during the year.

This year was a very challenging year for Recfishwest which included Recfishwest's involvement with ACMA and the submarine cable. Mark Pagano must be commended on the incredible amount of work he has done in this area with Recfishwest making a real difference in allowing fishing to continue in a proposed two mile wide no fishing zone around a submarine cable in the most popular recreational fishing areas in metropolitan waters.

Consistent lobbying paid off when for the first time with an Easter closure to commercial salmon fishing in the south-west was announced.

Recfishwest negotiated the 'barra accord' with commercial fishermen to get more areas as recreational fishing only. We are also working to get a fishway on the lower Ord River.

In recognition of the great work by Mark Pagano and working closely with local Robert Robinson, the Wilson Inlet pink snapper minimum legal size limit was brought in line with the rest of the State.

The Recfishwest Fishing Clinic program received further funding from the Federal Government under the Commonwealth Community Grants Scheme for the 'Addicted to Fishing Not Drugs' initiative. Following the success of this inaugural program, Recfishwest are able to continue for a second year in 2007 and reach even more children.

The success of this program in its first year saw Recfishwest announced the winner of the 'Best project or initiative encouraging women and young people's participating in fishing' at the 2006 Recfish Australia Awards.

As part of National Youth Week 2007, Recfishwest in conjunction with the Onslow Youth Outreach Project and the Shire of Ashburton conducted a three day fishing clinic in Onslow. These clinics coincided with the official launch of the Onslow Youth Outreach Program. Recfishwest intend to do a follow-up visit to Onslow and the children involved in this current program.

Funding has been received for an artificial habitat in the Drakesbrook Dam. Unfortunately, the Water Corporation changed the timetable for this work, but we are hoping that we can get an extension for this innovative project.

Recfishwest was successful in gaining funding to produce a DVD on the use of the release weight. This will be distributed to tackle stores to be given to customers who buy a release weight and as part of our general education program.

The Executive Director informed Members that he was appointed as a Director to the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation.

Mark Pagano participated in the Australian Rural Leadership program which was sponsored by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation of which myself and the Recfishwest staff are very proud of this achievement.

Kane Moyle who recently married sends his apologies as he is currently honeymooning in Paris. Kane has attended two Rural Leadership courses and also the Young Future Leaders course in Darwin facilitated by Recfish Australia.

Recfishwest was also successful in obtaining funding for a Young Future Leaders course to be held at the Abrolhos Islands in March 2008. Nearly 30 young future leaders, with mentors will stay at the Department of Fisheries research establishment to learn about management, research and personal development.

The Executive Director informed Members that Chairman Des Wood was elected to the Recfish Australian Board during the year.

A special acknowledgement also to Des Wood, Norman Halse, Stephen Gilders and John Webber who all notched up 10 years service on the Recfishwest Board.

Also a special thanks to Craig Bibra and Keith Tocas who are long standing board members and have decided to not seek re-election along with Peter Blyth who has been a Board Member during the past 12 months. We thank them all very much for their efforts.

Questions

Steven Gill referred to the Executive Director's report and his future with Recfishwest. Steve Gill said that Recfishwest has become one of the best peak bodies in Australia and that for the ED to consider handing over the reins would be a great loss. The ED stressed the importance for the need for succession planning.

David Findlay stated that State is in the throes of a "boom time". Why is the Minister for Fisheries requesting that Recfishwest recruit more members to receive future funding?

The ED explained to Members that the current Minister needs us demonstrate extent of mandate and that the members are getting the benefit from our work and that they have a need to express their commitment.

George Holman wanted to know the opinion of the Executive Director and the Recfishwest Board of a recreational fishing license?

The Executive Director said there was an explicit policy and a number of conditions to be met e.g trust fund business rules and the Minister has stated that there will be no beach based recreational licenses.

All were thanked for their attendance and were then invited to enjoy some refreshments at the downstairs bar.



This page prepared on 21 August 2008, last updated on 24 October 2008.