Recreational fishing fees ruled out: Labor’s promise

Recreational fishers will not be slugged with any fees to drop a line under a Labor government, the Opposition promises.

Recreational fishing fees will not be introduced under a Labor government, the Opposition has declared.

SA Labor Leader Peter Malinauskas on Wednesday ruled out slugging recreational fishers for doing what they love.

“A Malinauskas Labor government will not introduce recreational fishing licences or any fees for recreational fishing,” he said.

But the Liberal government has also stated it will not impose recreational fishing licences, sinking RecFish SA’s push for such a charge to help pay for fishing projects and infrastructure.

While SA, Queensland and the NT do not charge recreational fishers, other states force their fishers to pay between about $30 and $60 for a licence to throw a line in.

It comes as SA Labor unveiled its recreational fishing policies ahead of the March state election.

Despite the Opposition’s stance on licensing being at odds with RecFish SA’s position, Labor has pledged to give the peak fishing body $200,000 to be an independent voice for recreational fishing and provide advice to the government on policies and projects.

Both Labor and Liberal parties have pledged to upgrade the O’Sullivan Beach boat ramp. Picture: Onkaparinga Council

It says it will also:

OFFICIALLY classify fishing as a “recreation” so fishing clubs can apply for sport and recreation grants in the same way a local footy club can

WORK with fishing advocates to identify key infrastructure projects like boat ramps, jetties and wharves. Labor has committed an extra $1m for the upgrade of the O’Sullivan Beach boat ramp. The Liberals have also committed to upgrading the boat ramp, and

SUPPORT and fund recreation fishing programs to encourage more people, particularly women, children and those from diverse multicultural communities, to pick up a rod.

Mr Malinauskas said Labor would also acknowledge that recreational fishing injects a valuable contribution – estimated at about $160m annually – into SA’s tourism economy and the party would develop a strategic plan to promote fishing tourism.

“When South Australians pick up a line or reel and fish off a jetty, wharf, beach, riverbank or boat they will often do so as part of a broader regional visit, visit the local tackle shop, stay in a local hotel or caravan park and eat in local pubs and restaurants,” he said.

RecFish SA chair Barry Brown welcomed Labor’s policy.

“The things that we are very keen on are... better access for fishers, better resources for fishers in terms of infrastructure,” he said.

OnkaStompa Fishing Competition founder and recreational fishing advocate Mark Mills said an upgrade of the O’Sullivan Beach boat ramp was long overdue.

“Just getting on and off the water at the moment is becoming so difficult for people,” he said.

Fishing News SA spokesman Graham Keegan said the policy “all sounds great if you can pull it off”.

Fishers will be pleased at the pledge of no licence fee.