- $31.3 million investment for fisheries management in marine parks
- $7.5 million for new purpose-built vessel to patrol Kimberley waters
- DPIRD will also be bolstered with the addition of 11 staff for the new Kimberley marine parks
The McGowan Government is investing $31.3 million towards supporting effective implementation of new marine parks in the Kimberley region.
The funding includes $10 million for an industry support package for commercial and recreational fishers in the Kimberley to transition to new zoning conditions for the
new Buccaneer Archipelago Marine Parks.
The package includes the installation of artificial reefs or Fish Aggregating Devices to provide alternative fishing experiences in the Kimberley region for recreational fishers, upgrades to the Broome Tropical Aquaculture Park infrastructure and upgrades for boat ramp facilities in the region.
A Voluntary Fisheries Adjustment Scheme will provide commercial prawn and barramundi gillnet fishers with the option to exit the fishery and provide support for mental health services for all commercial fishing licence holders, charter operators and associated industries affected by the marine park zoning.
A $7.5 million investment has been allocated for a new 20 metre purpose-built patrol vessel, with a rigid hulled inflatable tender, for the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) to undertake long range sea patrols and boat inspections across all Kimberley marine parks.
The DPIRD will also be bolstered with the addition of 11 staff to undertake education, monitoring, compliance, scientific research and fisheries management as part of its responsibilities for the new Kimberley marine parks.
As stated by Fisheries and Regional Development Minister Don Punch:
"The McGowan Government is strengthening the State's compliance, education and science capability to protect our invaluable marine resources in the Kimberley.
"We expect the development of the marine parks will also provide opportunities to explore collaborative projects with Traditional Owner groups to generate new jobs and support economic growth in the region."
As stated by Environment Minister Reece Whitby:
"Our Government's Plan for Our Parks initiative will create five million hectares of national and marine parks and reserves by early next year, increasing the State's conservation estate by 20 per cent.
"These marine parks play an important role in ensuring our unique environment is protected for generations to come. This new chapter in joint management also safeguards cultural heritage and biodiversity."
As stated by Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna:
"The Kimberley's marine environment is so important to the whole community, so it's vital that we preserve and protect it for generations to come.
"The creation of the marine parks, the new vessel and the investment for more fisheries resources will provide much needed protection for the Buccaneer Archipelago, and I'm excited for the opportunities this investment will bring to our region."
