Marine Park Compensation: Industry Engagement Update
Last week, WAFIC, as members of the Marine Park Compensation Working Group, together with DPIRD, conducted a series of engagement sessions in Esperance with commercial fishers across the South Coast and Kimberley regions.
These sessions aimed to provide an overview of the marine park compensation process and gather detailed feedback on key initiatives outlined in the Compensation Working Group’s “Discussion Paper: Improvements to fisheries compensation processes and valuation methodologies in WA.”
Engagement began with a 2.5-hour session bringing together all affected stakeholders, where a comprehensive overview of the compensation framework, including Voluntary Fisheries Adjustment Schemes, FRICMA processes, valuation methodologies and timelines, was provided. This was followed by fishery-specific meetings, where licensees were presented with case studies and given the opportunity to openly share their perspectives, experiences and concerns.
These sessions were very well attended and represented a significant achievement in bringing together diverse voices from across the 15 affected South Coast and Kimberley fisheries.
WAFIC particularly appreciates the time and thought industry members invested in these discussions. The input provided is invaluable in ensuring the practical realities of commercial fishing are understood and embedded in the design and implementation of fair, transparent and robust compensation outcomes.
WAFIC will continue to work closely with fishers over the coming months to ensure their views are represented and to advocate for outcomes that are fair, practical and support the long-term viability of the industry.
WAFIC is now seeking feedback and comments on the Discussion Paper. Written feedback is due by 10 October 2025 and should be submitted to [email protected].
For your reference, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on compensation are also available on the DPIRD website, as below.