NSW pledges AUS$1m for fishing body

The sector is a key component of the economy of New South Wales, contributing AUS$170 million each year and directly employing more than 1,600 people.

As part of an election commitment the NSW government has been working with fishers over the past ten months to set up the NSW Wild Harvest Fishers’ Association (WHFA).

This body will receive AUS$350,000 per year for three years to help it represent and advocate for the sector.

“The NSW government wants to ensure we have a viable, productive and sustainable commercial fisheries sector now and for future generations,” said Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty.

“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 WHFA has been developed through an industry-facilitated process, involving consultation between two standing industry organisations to establish a single united peak industry body. It appointed John Wilson as inaugural independent chair in April 2024 and is in the process of engaging a chief executive.

Discussions have to adopt a constitution and determine how the body can assist industry.

“I welcome the NSW government’s funding towards the newly established peak fishing industry body for three years, it is crucial for the new peak body,” said John Wilson.

“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.”