CLP releases election policy designed to ‘safeguard’ recreational fishing

THE Country Liberal Party has announced its plan to “safeguard and enhance” recreational fishing ahead of the August 22 election

Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro has vowed to safeguard recreational fishing in the NT. Picture: Katrina Bridgeford

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THE Country Liberal Party has announced its plan to “safeguard and enhance recreational fishing” in the NT for local anglers and visitors ahead of the August 22 election.

Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro said an elected CLP government would fast-track the realignment and upgrade of Point Stuart Road to allow better access to the boat ramp, aiding in the growth of fishing tourism in the area.

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Ms Finocchiaro said the CLP would keep the system of management advisory committees and the recreational fishing advisory committee in place while reviewing reef fish protection areas.

She said the party would also conduct a comprehensive assessment of land-based fishing access, identifying future areas for access and explore the possibility of expanding the artificial reef and fish aggregation device program.

Ms Finocchiaro said the Country Liberals would appoint an expert technical panel to advise on the management of the Shoal Bay mud crab fishery before doing recreational fishing surveys every five years to inform policy development.

Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro announced a plan to “safeguard and enhance recreational fishing” in the NT. Picture GLENN CAMPBELL

She said her government would ensure regular maintenance of Dundee Boat Ramp to prevent the build-up of sediment while continuing barramundi stocking and exploring the feasibility of expansion.

The policy also includes a plan to adjust funding for the Amateur Fishermen’s Association of the NT while implementing all of fracking inquiry chairwoman Justice Rachel Pepper’s 135 recommendations.

Ms Finocchiaro guaranteed recreational fishers would never be “locked out” of Territory marine parks and said she would extend a moratorium on seabed mining until the Environment Protection Authority had completed its study and made recommendations into the practice.

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She also pledged to continue to support the Million Dollar Fish competition while promoting fishing tourism and vowed never to introduce boat licences or blood-alcohol limits for boaties.

“The Country Liberal Party has always supported recreational fishing in the Territory, stocking lakes for recreational fishing, marine parks, quality boat ramps and land based infrastructure, access roads and the Million Dollar Fish competition,” she said.