Tuesday, January 15, 2008

NATS BACK TROUT FISHING

The Nationals are calling on the State Government to rule out proposals to poison trout in Victorian streams and rivers.

The Nationals Member for Eastern Region and Spokesman for Natural Resources Peter Hall said a decision by the Murray Darling Basin Commission to investigate the removal of so-called alien species, including trout, had the potential to cause job losses in rural and regional Victoria.

“The recreational trout fishing industry is estimated to be worth up to $300 million per year to the Victorian economy and many of those benefits are in country Victoria,” Mr Hall said.

“Melbourne Labor Ministers have an appalling track record in natural resource management where they have consistently sacrificed country jobs for political correctness and green votes in the city.

“Cuts to the timber industry; the ban on cattle grazing in the high country; and the push towards a new National Park on the Murray River are all examples where Melbourne Labor has forced job losses upon country towns.

“The trout fishing industry is a critical component of the tourism sector in the north-east and Gippsland and the government should completely rule out any plans to poison this highly sought after fish.”

Mr Hall said recreational anglers and the four-wheel-drive fraternity played an important role in managing the state’s public land.

“The 4WD clubs and fishing groups are actively involved in protecting and enhancing many parts of the public land reserve in Victoria,” Mr Hall said.

“Many of these groups contribute a great deal to country Victoria, both in terms of the money they spend in our towns and the effort they put in on the ground to improve the environment.

“The Nationals believe in active management of natural resources and although trout were an introduced species, they are not an environmental menace like European carp, and they should not be poisoned in the future.”

Mr Hall said The Nationals were supportive of the Government’s trout re-stocking programs to improve recreational fishing opportunities.

“The opportunity to camp by a river and catch a trout is something that we should not give up easily and I urge the State Government to oppose any proposal to poison trout in Victorian streams,” Mr Hall said.

Media contact:                  Peter Hall      (03) 5174 7066   or 0427 747 066