Treasury mid-term review shows low allocation for fisheries support
Despite announcing another multi-billion dollar surplus, the State Government has allocated less-than-adequate funding for fisheries compensation packages.
Without providing any financial rationale, the government has only put aside $6 million to underwrite compensation for the South Coast Marine Park and a $20 million package to close down the entire West Coast commercial demersal and shark fisheries, despite the amount being woefully inadequate.
A summary of the Government’s packages are below:
West Coast Demersal Fisheries Support Package:
- $29.2 million allocated over 2025-26 to 2027-28 to support the recovery of West Coast demersal scalefish populations.
- Includes a compulsory fisheries adjustment scheme for commercial fishers ($20 million), education and awareness campaigns, monitoring and compliance activities ($4 million), a rebate program for recreational fishing boat licence holders ($3.3 million), and an extension of the Statewide Fish Aggregating Device Program ($1.9 million).
South Coast Marine Park – Voluntary Fisheries Adjustment Scheme:
- $6 million allocated over 2025-26 and 2026-27 for a voluntary fisheries adjustment scheme under the Fisheries Adjustment Schemes Act 1987.
- Enables fishers to surrender their fishing licenses and voluntarily exit the south coast fisheries before fishing prohibitions in the marine park are implemented.
Fisheries Digital Transformation Program Stage One:
- $4.6 million allocated in 2025-26 to complete Stage One of the program, delivering an updated user-friendly commercial fishing licensing system.
Buccaneer Archipelago Marine Parks:
- $3.1 million allocated in 2026-27 for the construction of a large vessel to undertake monitoring and compliance activities in the marine parks.
Albany Fishing Platform:
- $0.2 million allocated in the 2025-26 Budget Year and Mid-year Revision.
According the government, these initiatives are positioned to “support sustainable fishing practices, improve fisheries management, enhance conservation efforts, and invest in regional Western Australia.” Unfortunately, they will undermine future investments in fishing as businesses and bankers recognise the tenuous operating environment that can be overturned by political will.
To support our fellow fishers, WAFIC is establishing an online Demersal hub which has everything you need to know, including what you can do to get involved. Information will be updated regularly so keep checking in here.