The Victorian Fisheries Authority will cut some of its frontline fisheries officers.
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The Victorian Fisheries Authority will cut some fisheries officers positions, while two stations will close completely.
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Among its workforce changes, the VFA confirmed there would be 35 cuts as staff numbers go from 192 to 157, and stations at Braeside and Altona North in Melbourne will close.
The staff cuts will include 15 of its 69 frontline fisheries officer positions, leaving 54 fisheries officers to patrol Victoria’s 2512km coastline and more than 250,000km of inland water frontage, rivers and creeks.
The VFA confirmed there would be no impacts to its Arcadia Native Fish Hatchery, or on fish stocking.
The VFA said it was increasing its focus on targeting organised illegal fishing through a Major Fisheries Crime Unit with additional resources.
“Following extensive consultation, we have reached an outcome that will allow us to modernise our approach to fisheries management, including an increased focus on community engagement,” a spokesperson said.
“The outcome allows us to continue protecting our fisheries while focusing more on education and engagement with the recreational fishing community in a way that positions the VFA for long-term success.
“We have consulted with employees and the union on changes being made within the organisation and have a range of support services for impacted employees through this transition.”
There will be no cuts to VFA’s Arcadia Native Fish Hatchery.
The government initially planned to cut 33 fisheries officer positions and close five offices across Melbourne; however, this changed after Shadow Minister for Outdoor Recreation Sam Groth launched a petition, which received 21,789 signatures.
Mr Groth said despite the partial backdown, the cuts may still leave Victorian waterways vulnerable.
“Despite Labor’s partial backdown, these cuts to fisheries enforcement could leave our waterways vulnerable to illegal fishing, marine damage and serious safety risks,” he said.
“The Liberals and Nationals will always stand with our recreational fishing community to protect fish stocks, uphold fair rules, and ensure the long-term health of Victoria’s marine environments.”
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