Proposed Rottnest Island Sanctuary Zones

Recfishwest would like it made aware that we are extremely disappointed with the lack of consultation on the proposed sanctuary zones at Rottnest Island.

The West Australian on the 3rd February 2006 quoted you as saying that consultation had occurred over the past two years with Recfishwest to develop a plan to protect biodiversity and recreational opportunities on Rottnest Island.

We categorically deny this claim, which at best was grossly misleading. As described in the attached letter, consultation between the Rottnest Island Authority and Recfishwest's representative on the Marine Management Strategy Working Group, Mr Norman Halse, has been quite unsatisfactory in regard to this issue. The Working Group Members were never allowed to retain copies of proposals to report back to the groups they represented. The views of the recreational fishing community they represented were never respected in a genuine attempt to find a compromise solution that was acceptable to all parties.

Recfishwest is disappointed with the manner in which the Rottnest Island Authority has tried, without regard to due process, to continue to progress this proposal, even though there is an explicit Cabinet decision condemning this action.

Recfishwest will continue to oppose in any public manner available to us any proposal for extended sanctuary zones given the stated government position and steadfast refusal of your organisation to negotiate in any meaningful way with recreational fishing interests. We feel compelled to cast serious doubts over the Rottnest Island Authority's capacity to effectively consult with stakeholders.




Please feel free to contact me on 92463366 should you wish to discuss this issue further.



This page last updated on 27 June 2006. Letter posted on 7 April 2006.