Clarence Nationals MP Richie Williamson has welcomed a $1.34 million support package for commercial fishers affected by ongoing White Spot biosecurity restrictions but says the Minns Labor Government must now focus on getting fishers back to work.
The announcement extends income and support payments for Clarence River fishers beyond the original end date of June 30, and includes fishers from the Evans and Richmond Rivers. It also provides mental health support and fee waivers as part of a broader $21.4 million response to the White Spot outbreak.
Mr Williamson, who has long advocated for immediate financial assistance and a more science-based approach to biosecurity restrictions, says the announcement is only one piece of the puzzle.
"This announcement is welcome and provides some certainty for the next six months, but it's not a long-term solution," Mr Williamson said.
"This package helps with short-term survival, but it's not the answer. Fishers need to get back to work, and the estuary must be separated from offshore waters in the biosecurity order.
"There have been more than 10,000 negative tests in the Clarence estuary. The evidence is clear-it's time to revise the approach and stop treating the estuary and ocean as the same zone."
Mr Williamson also criticised the lack of direct communication with affected fishers, many of whom only learned about the new package through media reports.
"These are small, family-run operations that support entire communities. They deserve better than to find out via the media that they'll be able to keep food on the table for another few months."
Mr Williamson has also been vocal about the Federal Government's role, urging stronger biosecurity controls on imported raw prawns from countries where white spot is endemic.
"It defies logic that we lock down our local industry – despite no positive detections – while continuing to allow imported, uncooked prawns to enter Australia with questionable oversight. That double standard must end.
We're punishing our clean, green local industry while leaving the door open to biosecurity risk from overseas," Mr Williamson said.
The MP said he would continue to apply pressure to both state and federal governments to protect the future of the Clarence Valley seafood industry.
"These are generational fishing families-small businesses that support local economies and deliver world-class seafood across the state. We should be supporting them, not sidelining them," he said.
"This support package is a step forward, but I'll keep fighting for a fair go for fishers. We need meaningful action, not just temporary fixes."
