The Minister’s Recreational Fishing Advisory Council has been finalised with the announcement of the five successful individual representatives to complete the nine-member council.

Shane Mensforth, David Scholefield, Amanda Whitehorn, Peter Teakle and Brian Wheadon will join the four appointed recreational fishing organisation representatives to provide feedback and advice to government on recreational fishing development, initiatives and big picture policy issues that impact the sector.

Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Tim Whetstone said the finalising of the Minister’s Recreational Fishing Advisory Council is another election commitment delivered by the Marshall Liberal Government.

“I’m delighted to announce today the five individual representatives elected by the fishing public, to complete the nine-member Minister’s Recreational Fishing Advisory Council,” said Minister Whetstone.

“The Marshall Liberal Government’s commitment to refreshing representation for recreational fishers has been achieved through a transparent, open consultation and voting process.

“The voting process has been transparent and historic - for the first time in South Australian Government history, Blockchain technology was used for the voting process. Blockchain is an exciting emerging technology which is extremely secure and already used all over the world to perform valuable transactions.”

Minister Whetstone said that voting was done using the preferential method and counted using the proportional representation model.

“By ensuring votes flowed through a preferential system, each vote has counted,” said Minister Whetstone.

“I thank all the candidates who put their hand up and nominated, and every recreational fisher who voted – you have made your voice heard, and these five individuals will represent you on the Council.

“Recreational fishing provides significant social and economic benefits to our state. For some time there has been a need to enhance the dialogue and communication between recreational fishers and the South Australian Government, which is what this group aims to achieve.

“I am looking forward to working with all nine members to further our commitment to South Australia’s diverse and active recreational fishery to improve the fishing experience.”

MRFAC Individual members

Shane Mensforth (North Haven)

David Scholefield (Mount Compass)

Amanda Whitehorn (South Brighton)

Peter Teakle - inland fisher member (Renmark)

Brian Wheadon - tackle sector member (Wallaroo)

MRFAC Organisational Representatives

Tracey Tito - representing FishinSA and the South Australian Fishing Alliance

John Thomas - representing FishinSA

Ian Fitzgerald - representing RecFish SA

Graham Keegan - representing the South Australian Fishing Alliance