VFA Fisheries Officers Restructure

BIAV is aware there is great concern around the state relating to the proposed restructure of VFA and in particular with regard to the redundancy of many fisheries officer roles.

BIAV has been in contact with the Minister, his office, and the VFA, indicating that BIAV supports the review, the pursuit of efficiencies, and other improvements, however has concerns, and cannot ignore the concerns of some of its well-informed correspondents.

BIAV would make four main points in relation to the proposed restructure –

• The reduction in overall fisheries officer numbers to cover Port Phillip region, is way too drastic. Nine will be insufficient to cover this enormous region.

• The shift to education/engagement, in place of compliance/enforcement may be too extreme, and a blend of the two is recommended.

• BIAV is not confident all people follow the rules and the resulting threat related to species reduction, will have a negative flow on effect to recreational boating, and industry.

• BIAV has concerns that this wholesale change could undo this great work of recent decades, and may create a scenario that would be prohibitive to future state budgets to redress.  

BIAV has called on the Minister for a round-table review, involving several well-informed experts, as well as for some flexibility and negotiation as the restructure progresses.

VR Fish is providing the opportunity for those concerned to Sign a Petition, suggesting a halt to the restructure. To view more from VR Fish on this matter please Click Here.