South Australia’s recreational fishers would be able to directly elect representatives onto a new recreational fishing advisory body which the government is now seeking public comment on.

The formation of the new Minister’s Recreational Fishing Advisory Council is an election commitment of the Liberal Marshall Government.

The Council would 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 he wanted to hear directly from recreational fishers regarding the process of formation, structure and function of the new body.

“Today I have released a Consultation Paper to seek the views of recreational fishers on the new representative council,” said Minister Whetstone.

“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.

“We are committed to working with South Australia’s diverse and active recreational fishers to improve the fishing experience.

“Once I consider feedback on the proposed process I will be seeking nominations from candidates interested in joining the Advisory Council.”

Membership of the Council would comprise a suitable representative of each of these groups; FishinSA, RecFishCENTRAL, RecFish SA and the South Australian Fishing Alliance.

It would also include an additional five directly elected recreational fishing members, including at least one female member, one inland fisher and one person with knowledge of the retail sector.

Recreational fishing is a significant attraction for South Australia and the fishing sector is a significant contributor to the South Australian economy.

Recreational fishing is an important aspect of social, cultural and economic life, which generates jobs and economic activity in metropolitan and regional South Australia.

To read the Consultation Paper and provide your views, visit www.yoursay.sa.gov.au/fishing