Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester, is urging the Federal Government to intervene and assist communities directly impacted by proposed cuts to commercial fishing quotas.
Mr Chester has requested an urgent meeting with the Federal Minister for Agriculture, Murray Watt, to outline the economic consequences on towns such as Lakes Entrance which are dependent on the industry.
“The Federal Budget announcement of $24 million over three years to transition commercial fishers out of the Commonwealth South East Trawl Fishery has added to the urgency of the need to support the onshore industry,” Mr Chester said.
“The failure to simultaneously announce an onshore structural adjustment package in Lakes Entrance, despite the anticipated economic impact of the proposed licence buy-back, is of deep concern to locals.
“The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) has undertaken port visits, starting in Lakes Entrance, and it has created considerable anxiety and uncertainty.

IMAGE: Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester, is urging the Labor Government to intervene and assist communities impacted by proposed cuts to commercial fishing quotas.
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