Responses received from Political Parties so that recreational anglers are informed of policies for the 2005 Western Australia State Election.

The Minister for the Environment has provided a part response to Recfishwest's 2005 Election Policy questions covering some environmental questions in a letter dated 11 November 2004.

Mr Des Wood
Chairman
Recfishwest

Dear Des

RECFISHWEST ELECTION POLICY

Thank you for your letter of 23 July 2004 regarding Recfishwest's election policy and requesting comments on the policy proposals as they relate to the Environment portfolio (principally sections 6, 7 and 8 of your policy).

In regard to matters concerning fishing management and coastal access and infrastructure issues, I expect that you would have written directly to the Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure respectively for their comment.

I note that it is claimed on page 2 that recreational fishing is "held accountable for almost all the threats to biodiversity conservation with new marine parks impacting almost exclusively on recreational fishing activities". To the contrary, threats to biodiversity are recognised as coming from a number of pressures including inappropriate tourism, mining and petroleum activities, shipping, coastal development, commercial fishing, pearling and aquaculture, introduced pests, point source and diffuse forms of pollution, as well as inappropriate recreational activities, including fishing. I am also aware that, undertaken sustainably, these activities have major economic and social benefits.

With regard to the impacts of marine parks on recreational fishing, the Government takes the view that marine parks provide benefits for all Western Australians, and future generations. This includes facilitating sustainable management of commercial and recreational activities so they do not impact on the many values of marine parks, including biodiversity.

Section 6: Coordination of Government resources

Section 6.1 Ensure coordination between government agencies particularly CALM and the Department of Fisheries of marine natural resource and conservation management.

Section 6.2 Establish effective cross-authorisation arrangements between at-sea officers of CALM and the Department of Fisheries and determine transfers of resources needed to finalise transfers of responsibilities from the Department for Planning and Infrastructure to the Department of Fisheries.

I strongly support coordination between Government agencies, particularly the Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) and Department of Fisheries (DoF), and will be seeking to maintain and where possible improve coordination of both planning and marine management functions.

In respect to planning of marine conservation reserves, DoF is closely involved with CALM in these processes and provides information to support planning, and advises how the establishment of marine conservation can complement existing and future fisheries management arrangements.

In respect to marine conservation reserves, DoF and CALM collaborate in respect to management across authorisations of Government officers, and sharing of Government vessels to undertake management and compliance duties.

Section 6.3 Review legislation to ensure consistency of approach and that appropriate powers are in place to ensure prosecution for damage to riparian vegetation, pollution, or illegal dumping into waterways.

The Environmental Protection Act 1986 has recently been amended through the Environmental Protection Amendment Act 2003. Some of these amendments included:
provisions that protect native vegetation while allowing for approved clearing activities;
provisions of a new offence for causing unauthorised environmental harm; and
clarification of the scope and refinement of the processes for environmental impact assessment and the development of environmental protection policies.

The matters you have raised, including damage to riparian vegetation, pollution or illegal dumping into waterways are all covered through amendments to this Act, or existing provisions. The establishment of an Environmental Enforcement Unit within the Department of Environment also highlights the stronger focus on environmental regulation and protection. The Government has also introduced Unauthorised Discharge Regulations to prohibit small-scale discharges into marine and estuarine environments.

Section 7: Marine protected areas and planning for coastal waters

Section 7.1 Recfishwest should have direct representation on all marine park planning processes.

The Government will continue to support planning processes that provide for effective inclusion and consultation with all key stakeholders, I am aware that Recfishwest have raised concerns that membership of advisory committees is sought from the local community, which results in local recreational fishers being appointed rather than representatives of Recfishwest. I am committed to the position that local community views should be a priority consideration in marine reserve planning processes. However, I have requested the Marine Parks and Reserves Authority to look at options for improving the marine reserve planning process. The perceived deficiencies of locally-based advisory committees in terms of dealing with the strategic implications of marine reserve planning processes will be examined in this process.

Section 7.2 Recreational zones should be viewed as a necessary component within both new and existing marine parks.

The zoning options for marine parks are flexible and there is no legislative requirement for all four zone types to be used in every marine park. I continue to support the development of zoning on a case by case basis in consideration of the ecological and social values of the marine park in question, and as a strategy to support management. There may be many cases where recreation zones are supported, but this may not necessarily be the case for all marine parks.

I hope the above helps to clarify my views on aspects of your policy. I would like to add that marine conservation reserves will help to ensure that our marine environment is protected and continues to provide a range of experiences for all Western Australians, both now and in the future. The better protection and management of the marine environment can only be of benefit to the long-term future of recreational fishing and I seek Recfishwest's future support for the Government's programs.

Yours sincerely

(signed)
Dr Judy Edwards MLA,
MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
11 NOV 2004



This page last updated on January 2005.