The State Government has provided just over $1 million towards the establishment of a peak body for the commercial fishing industry to deliver an effective advocate to work with government in promoting a viable commercial fishing sector.
The commercial fishing industry is a powerhouse in the NSW economy, contributing $170 million annually and directly employing more than 1,600 people including many here on the Far South Coast.
The new peak body which has been named the NSW Wild Harvest Fishers’ Association Incorporated (WHFA) will receive $350,000 per year for three years to assist the association to actively engage with the state’s commercial fishers and allow the industry to speak with one voice.
The seed funding will assist the WHFA to become a self-sustaining peak body for the industry that can effectively represent and advocate for the sector.
The WHFA has been developed through an industry-facilitated process, involving consultation between two standing industry organisations to establish a single united peak industry body.
The WHFA appointed Mr John Wilson as the inaugural independent Chair in April 2024.
The peak body is now operational, with a constitution and is in the process of engaging a Chief Executive Officer.
Discussions and stakeholder meetings at the industry level have been ongoing throughout the year to bring commercial fishers from the two separate industry bodies together, adopt a constitution, and determine how the body can assist industry.
Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said the State Government wants to ensure it has a viable, productive and sustainable commercial fisheries sector now and for future generations.
“We recognise the challenges facing the industry and that’s why it’s important to have a united peak body, to advocate and work with Government to sustainably grow the sector which plays a major role in many of our coastal communities.
“The NSW Wild Harvest Fishers’ Association will be engaging with commercial fishers across NSW to build its membership and will also undertake elections to replace the interim board.
Chair of NSW Wild Harvest Fishers’ Association, John Wilson said the government funding was crucial for the new peak body.
“We are looking forward to working closely with the Minister and her Department to make a positive difference for NSW wild harvest fishers and the NSW economy.”
Images: Trapman Bermagui, ARN Bega Bay
