The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien has raised concerns about the Allan Labor Government’s plan to merge the Victorian Fisheries Authority and the Game Management Authority into a new body known as Outdoor Recreation Victoria.
Speaking in Parliament, Mr O’Brien said he was concerned Gippsland communities could lose their voice under the new structure if regional representation was not properly protected.
“Some of Victoria’s most important fishing, hunting and outdoor recreation areas are right here in Gippsland, so it is vital that our local communities are properly represented when decisions are made,” Mr O’Brien said.
“I am particularly concerned that commercial fishing interests could be overlooked in a larger organisation with a much broader focus.
“We have a long and proud history of sustainable commercial fishing in Gippsland and communities such as Port Welshpool, Port Albert and Port Franklin rely on the industry for jobs and economic activity.”
Mr O’Brien said local knowledge and on-the-ground experience should be central to decision-making.
“Whether it’s fishers, hunters, campers or other public land users, the people who use these areas every day have valuable knowledge and experience that should help shape government policy.”
Mr O’Brien said the Allan Labor Government had a history of taking away the voice of regional communities.
“Gippslanders have already seen that with Labor’s decision to remove the rights of landowners and communities to appeal major renewable energy and transmission line developments.
“It is simply not fair to take away the rights of people to appeal in this way and The Nationals have committed to overturn this policy.
“Gippslanders are understandably wary whenever the Allan Labor Government creates another authority without clear guarantees that local voices will be heard.”
Mr O’Brien said he would continue advocating for Gippsland communities as the changes progress.
“I have raised these concerns in Parliament and will continue to advocate for Gippsland communities to ensure local fishers, hunters, outdoor recreation users and regional residents have a strong voice in decisions that affect them.
“Only The Nationals have consistently stood up for regional Victorians when Labor has tried to take decision-making further away from local communities.
“We will restore the right of communities to appeal renewable energy and transmission line projects and ensure regional Victorians have a genuine say over decisions that affect their lives, livelihoods and local communities.
“Only The Nationals in government will give Gippsland the fresh start it needs.”
