East Gippsland Shire Council will write to the Victorian Government seeking a stimulus and support package for the Gippsland Lakes commercial fishing sector following a buyout of licences.
The Notice of Motion put forward by Cr Joe Rettino at the October 8 Council meeting was passed unanimously.
Council will seek support not only for people with licences, but also non-licence holders involved in Gippsland Lakes commercial fishing sector.
Cr Rettino’s motion noted for every dollar lost to the local community through job losses, the flow-on effect to the economy is minus three or four dollars.
Mayor Cr Natalie O’Connell said the Council resolution called for East Gippsland to be treated equally to other regions.
“Council believes the Gippsland Lakes commercial fishing sector should receive a similar stimulus and support package to those received in other parts of Gippsland. We are seeking funds for retraining affected people and assisting them to transition to new career opportunities in recreational fishing,” Cr O’Connell said.
“We are also seeking local infrastructure investment to create local jobs, and support for non-licence holders involved in the industry.”
Council will write to the Hon. Jaala Pulford MP, Minister for Fishing and Boating, and the Hon. Jane Garrett, Parliamentary Secretary for Jobs, requesting the Government consider such a package.
