31 December 2004
Amateur Fishing Licences? Not In Our Backyard!
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Kon Vatskalis MLA
Minister for Fisheries
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Fisheries Minister Kon Vaskalis today reiterated Government’s commitment to keeping the Territory a fishing license free zone.
“There’ll be no fishing licenses in our backyard,” he said.
“We’re not like other states which are over-licensed and overregulated.
“There will be no amateur fishing or boat licences under this government.”
Mr Vaskalis’ comments came in answer to a call by the Amateur Fisherman’s Association of the Northern Territory (AFANT) for the creation of Government regulated fishing licenses for recreational fishermen.
“The Territory Government is contributing record funding towards upgrading fishing infrastructure like boat ramps as well as providing research, restocking and development through the wise use of the taxpayer’s dollar.”
Mr Vaskalis pointed to the Government’s three year $1.5 million funding package that aims to improve recreational fishing infrastructure by extending power from Lee Point Road and installing extensive security lighting at the popular Buffalo Creek boat ramp.
Remaining funds from the $1.5 million allocation will go towards upgrading the existing ramps at Mule and Rocky Creeks near Borroloola.
“We appreciate the Territory’s unique lifestyle—we have the best fishing opportunities in Australia for Territorians to enjoy.
“This Government is about making it easier for Territorians to go fishing,” said Mr Vatskalis.
“I can’t see any reason to impose a fee on people coming here to fish or on the thousands of Territorians who fish.
“The Territory is a unique recreational fishing destination in Australia that’s part of our great outdoor lifestyle and I don’t see any reason to change that,” he said.