Recreational fishers have had their say as part of the State Government’s consultation on the Minister’s Recreational Fishing Advisory Council.

225 full responses to the survey were received about the formation of the new body to represent recreational fishing interests to government. 

The Minister’s Recreational Fishing Advisory Council will consist of nine members. 

One member from each of the following organisations: RecfishSA, FishinSA, RecfishCENTRAL and the South Australian Fishing Alliance and five individuals directly elected by the South Australian Recreational Fishing Community.

Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Tim Whetstone said it was important to let recreational fishers have their say.

“There was overwhelming support for our proposal about how the Minister’s Recreational Fishing Advisory Council might be formed and operate,” said Minister Whetstone.

“Knowing we have that support from recreational fishers, I am happy to announce today, that I have written to the four organisational members and sought their nominations.”

RecfishSA, FishinSA, RecfishCENTRAL and the South Australian Fishing Alliance have all been requested to nominate three people for consideration, of which, at least one from each organisation must be female. 

The Minister will select one nominee for each organisation.

Each of the organisations will run their own process in deciding who their nominees will be.

“If you are involved with FishinSA, RecfishCENTRAL, RecfishSA or the South Australian Fishing Alliance, ask how your nominees will be selected and have your say,” said Minister Whetstone.

“The Minister’s Recreational Fishing Advisory Council will provide feedback and advice to government on recreational fishing development issues and initiatives and big picture policy issues that impact the recreational fishing sector.”

To stay up to date on the latest news in relation to candidate information sessions, nominations and voting for the Council, sign up to updates at www.yourSAy.sa.gov.au/fishing.

Results of the survey

60 per cent supported the proposed establishment model and role of the Council.

56 per cent supported the membership composition of the Council.

74 per cent supported the nomination and selection process for organisations represented on the Council.

80 per cent supported the nomination process for individual membership.

81 per cent supported at least one individual coming from fishing retail/trade.

86 per cent supported at least one individual being an inland fisher.

75 per cent supported at least one individual member being female.

The Consultation paper is available at https://yoursay.sa.gov.au/decisions/ministers-recreational-fishing-advisory-council/consultation-paper