From the CLP - Posted by myself for the benefit of FFF readers ...

MEDIA RELEASE - COUNTRY LIBERALS WILL CLOSE CHAMBERS AND FINKE BAY August 10, 2012

Key Points:
»» We will close Chambers and Finke Bays
to commercial barramundi fishing
»» We will commit to the buyback of
commercial fishing licences in areas
deemed important and beneficial to
recreational fishing
»» We will make safety on our waterways
a priority and implement a new safety
education program within the first 6
months of Government
»» We will trial the use of security
cameras at boat ramps
»» We will boost the Fisheries Police Unit
and ensure they are equipped to target
those who break the law
»» We will build a self-launch boat ramp
at Dundee Beach and investigate a
secondary boat ramp at Shady Camp
and locations for new suburban boat
ramps in Darwin
»» We are against permits and payments
for fishing
A Country Liberals Government will invest
in safety and security on our waterways
and boat ramps to protect Territorians and
make their favourite pastime even better.
11 years of Labor has meant 11 years
of broken promises, secret deals and
political spin for Territory anglers instead
of real action.
The Country Liberals are committed to
making sure Territorians can fully enjoy
our world class waterways.
We understand fishing is vital to the ‘Great
Territory Lifestyle’ with around 50,000
recreational fishers in the Territory, which
represents about 25% of our population.
The Territory also has the highest
recreational boat ownership in Australia
per capita.
As well as improving our quality of life,
recreational fishing also contributes
substantially to the Northern Territory
economy to the tune of around $90
million a year.
Unlike Paul Henderson and Labor, a
Country Liberals Government will be open
and transparent in any recreational fishing
negotiations. We will listen to Territory
anglers and ensure their views are heard
and acted upon without delay.
Recreational Fishing Zones
The Country Liberals recognise the
importance of recreational fishing to the
economy of the Northern Territory and the
special place that it holds in the Territory
lifestyle. Appropriate management
of these fisheries is critical to the
ongoing future of the resource for both
commercial and recreational fisherman.
We will introduce exclusive access to
Chambers and Finke bays for recreational
fishing and will close these areas to
commercial barramundi fishing. This move
will include appropriate compensation to
commercial barramundi fishermen along
with a firm commitment to the removal
of effort for these fishermen through the
buy-back of licenses. The Country Liberals
will work with the industry to determine
a fair price for license buyback based on
a unit measure and will invite submission
from interested license holders.
Law Enforcement
While Labor has severely neglected
fisheries police, the Country Liberals
Government will take them seriously.
We will ensure the fisheries unit within
NT Police will be properly resourced to
apprehend those breaking the law.
Under Labor, the fisheries police unit
has decreased from 21 officers to
14 officers. The Country Liberals will
review this arrangement and conduct a
comprehensive review of fisheries police
equipment including boats, to ensure the
unit can do their job effectively.
Fishing and Boat Safety
Safety on the Territory’s waterways will
be a top priority of a Country Liberals
Government. Overcrowding of dinghies,
reckless behaviour and inappropriate
consumption of alcohol are all issues in
the Territory and can lead to harm and
even loss of life.
The Country Liberals will work with
AFANT and the Seafood Industry Council
to develop a comprehensive safety
awareness and education programme
delivered to the community, schools and
remote and rural communities within the
first 6 months of forming government.
Security
A Country Liberals Government will
commit to the trial of installation and
monitoring of security cameras at
boat ramps where there is known high
occurrence of crime. This will not only
ensure those who break the law are
punished and act as a deterrent to
would be criminals, it will also allow
anglers to relax while they are enjoying
the Territory’s great lifestyle, with the
knowledge and peace of mind that their
vehicles and valuables will be safe.
Boat Ramps
A Country Liberals Government will
develop a self launch boat ramp at
Dundee Beach and undertake a major
review of boat ramps at; Adelaide
River, Gunn Point, Shady Camp, Daly
River, Dinah Beach, Buffalo Creek and
Palmerston. The review will also include
caretaker facilities, security, toilet and
shower facilities, access roads and
lighting. The review will in particular
look at the possibility of developing a
secondary ramp at Shady Camp as wells
as tidal issues, possible dredging and
expansion at other ramps.
The Country Liberals will also commit
to identifying new suburban based boat
ramps in areas readily accessible to
anglers at suburban foreshores such as
the existing Ski Club boat ramp area.
A review of all roads to popular Territory
fishing spots will also be conducted with
particular emphasis on the possibility of
upgrading Gunn Point Road.
Daly River
Considered to be the “Mecca” for
recreational fishing, the Country Liberals
will ensure the Daly River is managed for
the benefit of all Territorians into the future.
The Country Liberals will ensure the Daly
River becomes a tourism hub and strong
contributor to the Territory economy while
conducting long term and comprehensive
research and monitoring of the area, to
ensure it remains ecologically sustainable.
Buy Back of Licenses
A Country Liberals Government will
reduce the commercial fishing activity
in areas deemed most important to
recreational fishing activities.
However, before any buy back schemes
are implemented the impacts on
existing commercial operators will be
fully investigated as well as the impact
on employment, value of licences,
businesses servicing the commercial
seafood industry and recreational anglers.
Blue Mud Bay
The Country Liberals are against permits
and payments for fishing; and unlike
Labor we will inform Territorians of
any negotiations or agreements with
traditional owners. Labor has had four
years to sort out the High Court’s Blue
Mud Bay decision and they still haven’t
reached a resolution. And they’ve hidden
important information from Territorians
along the way.
Marine Parks
A Country Liberals Government will adopt
a ‘common sense’ approach to marine
parks and will not establish any marine
parks where they are not needed. Any
proposals for a marine protected area
must be based on demonstrated need
and provide clear benefits.
Unlike Paul Henderson and Labor we will
not make any decisions on marine parks
without consulting the community first.
We will not meddle with the environment
– at a huge cost to Territory taxpayers –
where interference is not necessary.
Awards and Recognition
A Country Liberals Government will
establish a Territory Recreational Fisheries
Award programme to honour individuals
and organisations for their contribution
to the conservation, restoration
and enhancement of the Territory’s
recreational fisheries and their habitat.
Open Communication
A Country Liberals Government will create
separate departments of Primary Industry
and Fisheries and Minerals and Energy in
order to facilitate better investment and
development in the industry.
We will also re-open a direct line of
communication with the relevant Minister
by re-establishing Ministerial Advisory
Councils and a new office of recreational
fishing within the department.
While Labor has guarded their Ministers
with so-called ‘gatekeepers’ a Country
Liberals Minister will always be available
to industry and community groups.

MEDIA RELEASE
COUNTRY LIBERALS WILL CLOSE CHAMBERS AND FINKE BAY
August 10th, 2012
A significant Top End fishery will be closed to commercial barramundi fishing if the Country Liberals win
Government on August 25th.
Opposition Leader, Terry Mills, said increasing fishery options for recreational anglers and providing fair
compensation for commercial fishermen would be a priority for a future Country Liberals Government.
“We will introduce exclusive access to Chambers and Finke bays for recreational fishing and will close these
areas to commercial barramundi fishing,” Mr Mills said.
“I have engaged with the commercial license holders regarding appropriate compensation and removal of
effort in order to cover the loss of value that these closures will have to the industry.”
Mr Mills said the process of barramundi license buy-backs had stalled under the Labor Government who
had failed to match rhetoric with substantive outcomes.
“Labor’s 2008 election promise to buy back commercial licenses has been an abject fizzer.
“There have been no buy backs and the lack of consultation around the recent closures has only served to
further divide stakeholders.
“Today’s announcement is about improving recreational fishing access in the Northern Territory, promoting
tourism and value adding the Territory’s lifestyle.
“I am aware of the impact of closures on commercial fishing operators but am committed to an open and
transparent negotiation process that clearly informs all parties.”
Deputy Opposition Leader, Kezia Purick, said boosting recreational fishing is a key component to the
Country Liberals plan to develop a 3-hub economy.
“There are an estimated 40,000 recreational anglers in the Northern Territory and the industry is worth
approximately $90million to the economy,” she said.
“The Country Liberals recreational fishing policy includes a commitment to assessing marine police
resourcing, trialling security cameras on boat ramps and a commitment ruling out permits and licenses to
access Territory waters.”

_________________

MEDIA RELEASE



CLP announcement will stop supply of barramundi



This morning’s announcement by the Leader of the Country Liberals to close Chambers and Finke Bay would virtually bring to an end the supply of fresh wild caught barramundi to Territory businesses, consumers and tourists.



“It is shocking that the Country Liberals have announced the plan to introduce exclusive access to recreational fishers in Chambers Bay where 95% of our fresh wild caught Barramundi comes from,” said Northern Territory Seafood Council Chief Executive Officer, Ms Katherine Sarneckis.



“If implemented the impacts would be devastating for every business, consumer and tourist who enjoys eating fresh wild caught barramundi, as they will no longer be able to buy it if Chambers Bay is closed,” Ms Sarneckis stated.



“Mr Mills may have engaged with select individual commercial licence holders but it would be interesting to know if he has also spoken to consumers or tourism businesses about this ill-thought plan that would see the end of the supply of fresh wild caught barramundi.” Ms Sarneckis went on to say.



“There was no engagement with the Northern Territory Seafood Council about this proposal, further I regret to advise that when NTSC Chairman Rob Fish rang Mr Mills today to discuss the proposal - Mr Mills confessed he had no idea about how much fish was taken from Chambers Bay or what the benefits would be to recreational fishers from this closure,” reported Ms Sarneckis.



“Our fisheries should be supported by decisions which take the long term interest of the fishery into account, not politics or the short term interest of individual operators who may be looking to sell their licence,” stated Ms Sarneckis.



“Effective resource sharing arrangements between sectors are essential to ensure fisheries are managed sustainably and to maximise community benefits,” said Ms Sarneckis.



“An extensive public education programme on our fisheries science and management is needed for both the sustainability of our fisheries and to prevent such flawed decisions from being made in the future,” said Ms Sarneckis.







Donna English



Promotion and Marketing Officer

Northern Territory Seafood Council

Level 1, Darwin Shipstores Building, Fisherman’s Wharf, Darwin 0800

GPO Box 618, Darwin, Northern Territory 0801

P (08) 8981 5194 F (08) 8981 5063

E projects@ntsc.com.au W www.ntsc.com.au W www.supportntcaught.com.au

MEDIA RELEASE
LABOR’S FISHY BUSINESS
August 10th, 2012
Labor
’
s claim that closing Chambers and Finke bays to commercial fishing will
‘
effectively ban fresh wild
caught barramundi in Darwin
’
has the strong whiff of desperation and panic.
The assertion Territorians will have to eat fish fingers highlights the stupidity of Labor
’
s argument.
Country Liberals leader, Terry Mills said these alarmist claims deliberately create the impression that all local
barra sold locally is unfrozen.
“
Most barramundi is caught wild, before being frozen and brought to local markets,
”
Mr Mills said.
“
The Chief Minister is trying to create an impression barramundi supplies will be cut and that prices will rise
on the back of the closure.
“
This is not the case
“
Most restaurants buy snap frozen Barramundi fillets and not fresh barra. All fish shops and most, if not all,
outlets in Darwin sell cheaper imported Barramundi
“
Only a handful of outlets sell fresh
–
unfrozen
–
barramundi and the maximum total amount would be
between 300 and 1000kg a week during the barra season and zero during the closed season.
This is certainly not 95% of barramundi sold in Darwin.
“
Closing Chambers and Finke Bay will give recreational anglers the opportunity to fish an accessible,
productive body of water without competition.
“
This is a decision that will pay long term dividends.
“
The Henderson Government
’
s recreational fishing policy lacks substance, clarity and initiative

For mine, there are a few things of substance but an aweful lot of review/possibility/investigate with no committment for action.........

Do I expect too much?

»» We will commit to the buyback of commercial fishing licences in areas deemed important and beneficial to recreational fishing Deemed important and beneficial by whom and under what criteria?

»» We will build a self-launch boat ramp at Dundee Beach and investigate a secondary boat ramp at Shady Camp and locations for new suburban boat ramps in Darwin Investigate? Hardly a committment!

»» Fishing and Boat Safety - Safety on the Territory’s waterways will be a top priority of a Country Liberals Government. Overcrowding of dinghies, reckless behaviour and inappropriate consumption of alcohol are all issues in the Territory and can lead to harm and even loss of life. The Country Liberals will work with AFANT and the Seafood Industry Council to develop a comprehensive safety awareness and education programme delivered to the community, schools and remote and rural communities within the first 6 months of forming government. What about a committment to Search & Rescue

Security - A Country Liberals Government will commit to the trial of installation and monitoring of security cameras at boat ramps where there is known high occurrence of crime. No time frame for the trial, who decides whether the trial is successful, what action will they take if it is?

Boat Ramps - A Country Liberals Government will develop a self launch boat ramp at Dundee Beach and undertake a major review of boat ramps at; Adelaide River, Gunn Point, Shady Camp, Daly River, Dinah Beach, Buffalo Creek and Palmerston. The review will also include caretaker facilities, security, toilet and shower facilities, access roads and lighting. The review will in particular look at the possibility of developing a secondary ramp at Shady Camp as wells as tidal issues, possible dredging and expansion at other ramps. The Country Liberals will also commit to identifying new suburban based boat ramps in areas readily accessible to anglers at suburban foreshores such as the existing Ski Club boat ramp area. Again, lots of reviews possibilities, identifying but a little short on committments and substance

A review of all roads to popular Territory fishing spots will also be conducted with particular emphasis on the possibility of upgrading Gunn Point Road. review, possibility

Daly River - Considered to be the “Mecca” for recreational fishing, the Country Liberals will ensure the Daly River is managed for the benefit of all Territorians into the future. The Country Liberals will ensure the Daly River becomes a tourism hub and strong contributor to the Territory economy while conducting long term and comprehensive research and monitoring of the area, to ensure it remains ecologically sustainable. how will they ensure this

Marine Parks - A Country Liberals Government will adopt a ‘common sense’ approach to marine parks and will not establish any marine parks where they are not needed. who identifies whether they are needed Any proposals for a marine protected area must be based on demonstrated need and provide clear benefits. Unlike Paul Henderson and Labor we will not make any decisions on marine parks without consulting the community first. but will they listen

We will not meddle with the environment – at a huge cost to Territory taxpayers – where interference is not necessary. We will also re-open a direct line of communication with the relevant Minister by re-establishing Ministerial Advisory
Councils and a new office of recreational fishing within the department. more public servants

What you dont believe promisses made by a party trying to win votes??? Geez Sarrge wheres the faith??

_________________

Ive always had a soft spot for pollies of all persuasions because they need special care.

They have the ability to make a statement, repeat it and in the process, say nothing of substance or meaning

I sent emails to Rob Knight, Terry Mills and others re the lack os search and rescue facilities up here.

Not only have they ignored the very real issues, none have even bothered to respond (with the exception of a read reply on my pc)
Oh the poor people, they are sooo busy making TV policy announcements.

I suppose politics is the same in every state/territory as well as on the federal level.

Just ignore them and they will go away.
Or in our case, ignore the issue and we will just die off

Not good enough

How can you tell if a Politician is lying????


You can see their lips moving

I can tell you that the barra pro operating at the mouth of shady WILL sell 1 of his FULL unit licenses if the CLP win the next election and that the closures will happen....

I Agree 2 rods

Rec F/m have been asking for this closure for years. Labor promised it and did not deliver. What do these negative fishos want. The commercial F/m are not happy and are fighting this.The CLP has the balls to announce their plans and fight the commercials on this one - we should back them 100%

I can not believe some fisho's on here are playing politics. Why would anyone ask which rec/ fm the CLP will speak to when implimenting these policies. Answer is AFANT, as they are the only political group that represents all recreational fishermen that was voted in by recreational fishermen. If you dont agree and dont back AFANT you have no chose but to sit back and do nothing but complain to your mates at the pub
.

Sorry to differ Redfin however;

1. No political party has ever previously promised full closure of Chambers and Finke bays to commercial fishing,

2. AFANT is not a political group, they are an association that has the best interests of recreational fishermen in mind ( although they have a good hold of the ears of politicians),

3. Although I do agree wholehartedly with most of AFANTs proposals, everyone has the right to their own opinion as do both you and I.

Ive been emailing both parties for a few weeks now. Only one to reply is the CL (they make an effort to remind me its not the CLP)
anyway heres their reply

Hi ......,

Thank you for your email. Unfortunately the Country Liberals are unable to commit to additional spending until we are informed of the real state of the police and emergency services. In government, Terry and his team can better address the needs of the community in this area.

Terry values your input, please be assured your emails are not being ignored, they are an important tool to assist the party in addressing the real issues affecting Territorians.

Kind regards

Tasma McCall | Blain Electorate Officer
Office of Terry Mills MLA | Member for Blain

So at least they are honest by saying they cant make promises.

One really strong message for all of us is that you are way better off sending a short email to them with questions.
they realise that for every one letter/email they get, there are 100 others thinking the same thing

so send emails, they dont have to be long etc, just the facts

Swoffa

AFANT is not an "A" political group but they are the only "RECREATIONAL FISHING LOBBY GROUP" the government will listen to. To say that AFANT is not political is incorrect as nearly every issue they deal with has a political feel to it. They just dont have a preference of which side of government they back, AFANT just fights for the Fish and Fishermen.

So really we are both correct depends on the wording

I have been concerned for a fair while now that all this buy back of licenses and closures will result in no wild fish. I am an avid angler and while I think that the fishing would vastly improve I would much rather eat a local wild caught fish at a restaurant instead of some imported or farmed fish. It pisses me off seeing that on the menu. I dont think that as a sporting body we should push so hard to totally exclude the Pro's, there must be a balance so that even the non fisho's can enjoy a decent feed of fish. Maybe opening up the West Alligator to amateurs as a trade off.
I know this is going to upset some people but it is just my take on things.

_________________

Finatic2 - I appreciate your concerns but there will be absolutely no reduction in the amount of FRESH Barra nor FROZEN Barra sold in Darwin.

The Country liberal policy refers to Chambers Bay and Finke Bay, not any areas west of Darwin where at least 50% of the fresh barra comes from.

What this policy will do is require those fishermen fishing west of Darwin to bring in more fresh fish to make up for the fresh barra that is not coming from Chambers and Finke bays. This does not mean these fishermen will fish harder west of Darwin, what it means is they will not have to Fillet and Freeze as much barra.

Restuarants do not sell fresh barra they do not fillet fish ( too much mess and time ) They buy frozen barra fillets in 5kg or 10kg blocks

Fish and chip shops mainly buy imported barra due to cost, however they do buy Jew and threadfin salmon from local fishermen in 10kg blocks. Again they do not fillet fish in these shops

Take away shops are all imported barra. They leagally dont have to tell you its imported because they purchase the product already processed.
( crumbed)

Frozen NT barra is caught Territory wide with a lot from Gove and Boroloola.

In reality very little fresh barra is sold in Darwin as it is mainly frozen. Mr Barra, Darwin Fish Market and Franks Seafoods are the only places that fillet fresh barra to sell to the public

Can someone tell me how many pro's are in the territory