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25.01.2022 The Australian Hotels Association have come out in opposition to Minister Kelly's risky rock lobster reforms! Minister Kelly has frequently pointed to the support of the Australian Hotels Association as proof of his plan's supposed viability. Now even they agree: Dave Kelly's plan will put too many jobs and livelihoods at risk to go forward!

25.01.2022 Know the facts: It appeared that the study used as evidence by Minister Kelly echoed what industry had been telling the Fisheries Minister for several years. But it was impossible to be sure, given the Ministers office has not made the study available.

25.01.2022 Show your support for Fishing Families WA and against Minister Kelly's risky rock lobster reforms with our Facebook profile frame! Works with both square and circular profile pictures.

25.01.2022 This is a great letter that really lays bare the reality of Minister kellys plan. This is about more than just the price of crays. This is about the livelihoods of families throughout Western Australia.

25.01.2022 The Australian Hotels Association have come out in opposition to Minister Kellys risky rock lobster reforms! Minister Kelly has frequently pointed to the support of the Australian Hotels Association as proof of his plans supposed viability. Now even they agree: Dave Kellys plan will put too many jobs and livelihoods at risk to go forward!

24.01.2022 WRL recently partnered with Geraldton Fishermens Cooperative to host boys and staff from the Clontarf Academy in Geraldton. This initiative by WRL aims to intr...oduce indigenous youth to experiences and opportunities in the western rock lobster industry. WRL Chair Terry Lissiman spoke with the boys at Geraldton Senior High School and together with GFCs Leith Teakle, showed videos of rock lobster fishing and shore-based jobs including processing and transport. Following the introductory discussions and videos, staff and students boarded a bus to GFC where they toured the live lobster facility and operations. The group were able to see the lobsters up close and handle them before watching the days catch being processed by GFC staff. The group then moved to WRL Director Peter Baileys DayDawn for a detailed viewing of one of the most recently built and technologically advanced lobster vessel. The tour wound down with the staff and boys enjoying some fish and chips on the deck before returning to school. A special thanks to GFC and everyone involved in the Clontarf Academy initiative. It was a great success and will hopefully improve indigenous employment opportunities in the western rock lobster industry.

24.01.2022 This is a great letter that really lays bare the reality of Minister kelly's plan. This is about more than just the price of crays. This is about the livelihoods of families throughout Western Australia.

24.01.2022 Kalbarri Fishermen’s Wharf boasts a stylish new entry statement thanks to a community bid to beautify the area. The project was the brainchild of Kalbarri Devel...opment Association member and volunteer Brendan Jones, supported by fishermen from the Kalbarri Commercial Rock Lobster Association and Geraldton Fishermen’s Co-operative. Brendan said it was great to see the community come together, with funds, equipment and shovels in hand to support the project. Small towns rely so heavily on their people to make things happen and this was a great example of that, he said. In officially opening the entry statement, Kalbarri fisherman Stan Sutherland said the sculptures were an excellent way to honour the town’s fishing industry and its pioneers. From humble beginnings the rock lobster industry has grown to what it is now, he said. It’s gone from a cannery in the Second World War, to selling lives [lobster] into China. From two-wheel tracks across the sandplain to Ajana and to Geraldton, to trucks with sprays on at the landback wharf keeping out catches in pristine condition. From no jetties, no fuel and unloading on the beach to a jetty, landback wharf and pens. Stan said the sculptures were also a reminder of those who’d lost their lives at sea. The sculptures were created by Dongara metal artist Peter James and erected, along with replica ship bows, by Kalbarri fishermen and community volunteers.

24.01.2022 Minister Kelly would have you believe that hes the only person who cares about getting more crays into the local market. Know the facts: The rock lobster industry is supportive of increasing local supply and has put multiple proposals to Government on ways to increase supply to the domestic market, but the Government has not engaged with us.

21.01.2022 We're pleased to report that the government has agreed to back down from its initial reforms, and look at other avenues to increase local lobster supply. None of this would be possible without your support. Thank you!

19.01.2022 Dave Kellys risky rock lobster plan has even caught the attention of Federal MPs, with Federal Attorney-General Christian Porter coming out against the move. People from all sides agree: Kellys plan will only hurt hardworking fishing families.

19.01.2022 Minister Kelly would have you believe that the only thing that matters in this debate is the price of crays. The reality is that these reforms will affect families and communities throughout WA, potentially damaging one of our most sustainable industries for decades.

18.01.2022 Representatives from across Australias vast fishing industry recently held crisis talks, not only in support of our rock lobster fishing families but also as they worry that they might be next. The whole fishing industry agrees: Minister Kellys plan will put not only cray fishing families at risk, but all fishing communities across the country.

17.01.2022 Were pleased to report that the government has agreed to back down from its initial reforms, and look at other avenues to increase local lobster supply. None of this would be possible without your support. Thank you!

16.01.2022 Minister Kelly claims that a "foreign-owned entity" could currently buy into the industry at any moment. This is just a case of Minister Kelly simply using dog-whistle politics to scare the industry and the community.

16.01.2022 Its not just about the crays: the rest of the fishing industry and the country are worried about Kellys reforms. The rest of the fishing industry recently held crisis talks in Fremantle, as they worry that they might be next in the firing line.

15.01.2022 Hard working West Australian families have built the Western Rock Lobster industry into one of the state's biggest employers and one of the most sustainable industries in the world. Now Minister Dave Kelly wants to risk that all with his Rock Lobster plan. Don't let him get away with it. Show your support at https://fishingfamilieswa.org.au

15.01.2022 "Minor portfolio adjustment within McGowan Cabinet Premier Mark McGowan has announced a minor adjustment of portfolios within his Cabinet. Fisheries will now be...come the responsibility of Minister Peter Tinley, with the Youth portfolio being handed to Minister Dave Kelly. Chris Tallentire will continue as Parliamentary Secretary to Minister Kelly, under his updated portfolio responsibility. "This portfolio adjustment will ensure that the portfolios of both Fisheries and Youth continue to have the prominence they deserve."

15.01.2022 There are ways to increase rock lobster supply for the West Australian community, including expanding the LLP. However, Minister Kelly doesn't want to hear it.

14.01.2022 Minister Kelly and the government claim that, based on their own polling, a majority of their constituents back their plan. What they forgot to say, in both their report and their polling, is what exactly their risky plan entails! Know the facts: there's been no consultation, no modelling, and no proof that Minister Kelly's plan will result in cheaper local crays, and that it isn't just a grab at one of WA's most profitable and sustainable industries.

14.01.2022 Dave Kelly's risky rock lobster plan has even caught the attention of Federal MPs, with Federal Attorney-General Christian Porter coming out against the move. People from all sides agree: Kelly's plan will only hurt hardworking fishing families.

14.01.2022 As Daniel Mercer argues in the West Australian today, Minister Dave Kelly seems to have forgotten who will lose out the most in his plan: real mums, dads, and families, who have built this industry and whom he has treated "with a distrust bordering on contempt."

12.01.2022 It's not just about the crays: the rest of the fishing industry and the country are worried about Kelly's reforms. The rest of the fishing industry recently held crisis talks in Fremantle, as they worry that they might be next in the firing line.

12.01.2022 "The crayfishing industry makes up a quarter of Geraldtons economy. So when it suffers, local jobs disappear, and struggling families get hit hardest" Check out our ad that ran today in the Geraldton Guardian.

11.01.2022 CRAYFISH ARE PLENTIFUL AT PRESENT Both amateur and professional crayfishers are reporting good numbers of the highly prized western rock lobster off the Lanceli...n coast at the moment. On the commercial side, lobster pot licences are now selling for around $85k each. These are up in value by around 4% from September last year. You'll remember the Labour government announced they were going to take a sizeable whack of the annual catch for themselves late last year. This caused the value of the licenses to plummet by up to 40%. Following a huge backlash, the government had to back down earlier this year and since then the pot licence resale market has recovered. NOTE: This year the local fishermen once again have the right to sell 100 crays direct to the public. Speak to a fisherman and tell them how many you want and they'll bring them back the next fishing day for you to collect off the boat. You'll not find better lobster anywhere!

10.01.2022 Join us at Parliament House to tell Mr Kelly and the current State Government exactly what we think about their risky reforms that threaten our industry! Bring your voice, your hearts, and your families!

10.01.2022 "At a time when most people in WA are worried about things like affordable electricity, Minister Kelly wants to offer us cheaper crays." Check out our ad that ran in the West Australian today!

10.01.2022 Click attending and remember to join us at Parliament House this February the 19th, to tell Mr Kelly and the current State Government exactly what we think about their risky reforms that threaten our industry! Bring your voice, your hearts, and your families!

09.01.2022 A shared post from one of FFWA Members

08.01.2022 Representatives from across Australia's vast fishing industry recently held crisis talks, not only in support of our rock lobster fishing families but also as they worry that they might be next. The whole fishing industry agrees: Minister Kelly's plan will put not only cray fishing families at risk, but all fishing communities across the country.

08.01.2022 WRL recently partnered with Geraldton Fishermen’s Cooperative to host boys and staff from the Clontarf Academy in Geraldton. This initiative by WRL aims to intr...oduce indigenous youth to experiences and opportunities in the western rock lobster industry. WRL Chair Terry Lissiman spoke with the boys at Geraldton Senior High School and together with GFC’s Leith Teakle, showed videos of rock lobster fishing and shore-based jobs including processing and transport. Following the introductory discussions and videos, staff and students boarded a bus to GFC where they toured the live lobster facility and operations. The group were able to see the lobsters up close and handle them before watching the day’s catch being processed by GFC staff. The group then moved to WRL Director Peter Bailey’s DayDawn for a detailed viewing of one of the most recently built and technologically advanced lobster vessel. The tour wound down with the staff and boys enjoying some fish and chips on the deck before returning to school. A special thanks to GFC and everyone involved in the Clontarf Academy initiative. It was a great success and will hopefully improve indigenous employment opportunities in the western rock lobster industry.

08.01.2022 Minister’s response + save the date! The Minister’s office has today advised that WRL should expect to receive a response to the recommendations next week. Thi...s response will provide industry with certainty on the way forward regarding cash flow, managing quota and preserving value. In anticipation of receiving the Minister’s response, WRL is planning a coastal tour for 17-19 March to discuss the following: - the government response to WRL’s recommendations; - issues associated with WRL’s recommendations if they are implemented; - dates for future fishing seasons; seeking member suggestions for changes to the WRL constitution; and - an update on WRL’s package of initiatives (including changes if the recommendations are implemented). WRL will provide Members with more details about the coastal tour in the coming weeks. @iananderick

08.01.2022 Have you got your Local Lobster this December? Or are you looking to sell your catch? Then head over to the Local Lobster Program Buy & Sell page! There's a fa...ir bit of demand from the community this year! Big shout out to Clint Moss and the Rex J Team, who have donated the proceeds made from their sold local lobster to the Lancelin Primary School and the Lancelin Ledge Point Football Club! Awesome work!

07.01.2022 With the new deal agreed upon between the WA Government and industry, we've been given a guarantee of future job security for fishing families and of increased local supply for WA consumers.

07.01.2022 Minister’s response + save the date! The Minister’s office has today advised that WRL should expect to receive a response to the recommendations next week. Thi...s response will provide industry with certainty on the way forward regarding cash flow, managing quota and preserving value. In anticipation of receiving the Minister’s response, WRL is planning a coastal tour for 17-19 March to discuss the following: - the government response to WRL’s recommendations; - issues associated with WRL’s recommendations if they are implemented; - dates for future fishing seasons; seeking member suggestions for changes to the WRL constitution; and - an update on WRL’s package of initiatives (including changes if the recommendations are implemented). WRL will provide Members with more details about the coastal tour in the coming weeks. @iananderick

07.01.2022 Minister Kelly would have you believe that he's the only person who cares about getting more crays into the local market. Know the facts: The rock lobster industry is supportive of increasing local supply and has put multiple proposals to Government on ways to increase supply to the domestic market, but the Government has not engaged with us.

06.01.2022 Know the facts: In September 2017, industry submitted a proposal for a permanent Local Lobster Program which would have resulted in four times more lobsters at more affordable prices than are on the local market right now. We heard nothing back from the Minister on that.

06.01.2022 The Western Rock Lobster Council was once again surprised by the Minister for Fisheries, Hon Dave Kelly MLA, when he released a media statement yesterday to ann...ounce a new three-year lobster trial for WAs fishing charter sector. The Western Rock Lobster Council is disappointed that it was not included in discussions regarding the trial and is unaware of the details beyond the media release. WRL will keep industry informed of developments as we become aware and we will continue to strongly represent industrys interests in discussions with Government and stakeholders. Please click the below for todays media statement response from the Western Rock Lobster Council. https://www.westernrocklobster.org//3102019-Media-release-

06.01.2022 Know the facts: All the goals that Minister Kelly wants to achieve with his rock lobster plan, from cheaper crays to increased tourism, can be delivered, if he's willing to work with us.

05.01.2022 Fishing Familes WA would like to wish you all a safe and merry Christmas. Check out the billboard on the freeway if you are driving past.

05.01.2022 Mark Mcgowan Is Either Stupid Or Arrogant Or Both. Spot whats missing from this report in The West Australian, 2nd October, 2019; "Relaxed limits on charter bo...at rock lobster catches will be trialled as part of a plan to grow tourism in coastal communities such as Geraldton. The Tourism Council WA believes the changes could generate up to $110 million for the States economy and expand marine tourism. The State Government today announced a three-year trial of increased boat limits of rock lobster for selected charter operators from 24 to 40 for some small boats and from 24 to 80 for some large boats. Under the trial, tour operators will also be able to store lobsters on vessels and tend to pots before tours, to offer a catch-and-cook experience for visitors. Council chief executive Evan Hall said premium seafood experiences were valuable in attracting international visitors, who spent about $5000 per trip in Western Australia. The most valuable rock lobster is the one a tourist has spent thousands of dollars travelling in WA to catch themselves or eat fresh while visiting our amazing coast, he said. The trial, which will begin next month, was developed by the State Government, Recfishwest, Tourism Council WA and the Marine Tourism Association WA." Figure out whats missing? Its in the last sentence, "The trial, which will begin next month, was developed by the State Government, Recfishwest, Tourism Council WA and the Marine Tourism Association WA." Wheres the reference to the Western Rock Lobster Councils input in developing this new scheme? Its absent because once again the WA Labor government under Mark Mcgowan has announced sweeping new changes to rock lobster management without at all consulting the professional rock lobster fishing industry about what implications these proposed changes might have on their businesses. In fact they never even told rock lobster fishermen what they were planning until they announced it. Hey Marine Tourism Association WA and Recfishwest, thanks for the headsup guys...not. Mcgowan is basically legislating charter businesses into small commercial fishing operations by allowing them to increase their fishing effort-:* an increase in the number of pots allowed per vessel - from six to 12; * increased boat limits for small charter boats (licenced for six to 10 passengers), up from 24 to 40 * increased boat limits for large charters boats (licenced for more than 10 passengers), up from 24 to 80 * flexibility for charter operators to store lobsters on vessels and tend to pots prior to conducting rock lobster tours" Will these new commercial cray fishing operations be subject to quota catch controls? No; "In a statement, the Government said the trial would have no impact on the commercial sector, as the charter catch was part of the recreational quota." They're encouraging charter businesses to more than double the amount of crays they catch whilst making a tidy profit from them (commercial incentive) but it will "have no impact". Rii-iiiight... So obviously no need to consult the rock lobster industry right? How well did that work last time for you Mr Mcgowan? Its bound to be different this time right? And how well is your commitment to build the Outer Harbor in Kwinana against the wishes of the majority of people who use Cockburn Sound working for you? For some one who's supposed to be a lawyer Mr Mcgowan you sure seem pretty stupid creating a rod (s) for your own back especially since you should remember what trouble you got into last time listening to Mr Kelly. Either that or everything the WA Labor government is doing is just indicative of Labor's arrogant born-to-rule attitude and outright contempt for fishing families.

05.01.2022 The WA Government and industry have worked together towards a preliminary agreement, with a more sustainable increase of 315 tonnes of crayfish every year. We'll also be looking into ensuring the extra catch goes to locals first and towards establishing the proposed Lobster Festival. These are huge wins, and none of this would have been possible without your help!

05.01.2022 With the new deal agreed upon between the WA Government and industry, weve been given a guarantee of future job security for fishing families and of increased local supply for WA consumers.

04.01.2022 Ministers response + save the date! The Ministers office has today advised that WRL should expect to receive a response to the recommendations next week. Thi...s response will provide industry with certainty on the way forward regarding cash flow, managing quota and preserving value. In anticipation of receiving the Ministers response, WRL is planning a coastal tour for 17-19 March to discuss the following: - the government response to WRLs recommendations; - issues associated with WRLs recommendations if they are implemented; - dates for future fishing seasons; seeking member suggestions for changes to the WRL constitution; and - an update on WRLs package of initiatives (including changes if the recommendations are implemented). WRL will provide Members with more details about the coastal tour in the coming weeks. @iananderick

04.01.2022 Kalbarri Fishermens Wharf boasts a stylish new entry statement thanks to a community bid to beautify the area. The project was the brainchild of Kalbarri Devel...opment Association member and volunteer Brendan Jones, supported by fishermen from the Kalbarri Commercial Rock Lobster Association and Geraldton Fishermens Co-operative. Brendan said it was great to see the community come together, with funds, equipment and shovels in hand to support the project. Small towns rely so heavily on their people to make things happen and this was a great example of that, he said. In officially opening the entry statement, Kalbarri fisherman Stan Sutherland said the sculptures were an excellent way to honour the towns fishing industry and its pioneers. From humble beginnings the rock lobster industry has grown to what it is now, he said. Its gone from a cannery in the Second World War, to selling lives [lobster] into China. From two-wheel tracks across the sandplain to Ajana and to Geraldton, to trucks with sprays on at the landback wharf keeping out catches in pristine condition. From no jetties, no fuel and unloading on the beach to a jetty, landback wharf and pens. Stan said the sculptures were also a reminder of those whod lost their lives at sea. The sculptures were created by Dongara metal artist Peter James and erected, along with replica ship bows, by Kalbarri fishermen and community volunteers.

04.01.2022 Have you got your Local Lobster this December? Or are you looking to sell your catch? Then head over to the Local Lobster Program Buy & Sell page! There's a fa...ir bit of demand from the community this year! Big shout out to Clint Moss and the Rex J Team, who have donated the proceeds made from their sold local lobster to the Lancelin Primary School and the Lancelin Ledge Point Football Club! Awesome work!

04.01.2022 Below is the copy of a Media Release from 24.9.2019 by The Nationals fisheries spokesman, Ian Blayney MLC. Ian Blayney MLA MEDIA RELEASE Member for Geraldton... September 24, 2019 Fisheries Minister must engage rock lobster industry Member for Geraldton Ian Blayney has accused the Fisheries Minister of ignoring the commercial western rock lobster industry following his failed bid to take 17 per cent of the catch quota from fishers earlier this year. Mr Blayney said industry wanted to negotiate solutions to unresolved issues including long-term fishing licence security and delays in the State Government passing almost $200,000 in levy funds raised last financial year back to industry. Questions asked of the Minister in Parliament yesterday revealed he had not personally met with the Western Rock Lobster Council since he backflipped on his quota stealing plan amid much furore, instead sending in department staff to front the peak representative body. Mr Blayney, who is The Nationals fisheries spokesperson, said the Minister needed to explain why industry was being forced to wait for levy money collected from managed fishery license holders. The Western Rock Lobster Council hasnt heard from the Minister despite having sent correspondence on more than one occasion dating back to June, he said. Working through licence security means a lot to fishers and the unreturned levy money would be used to support activities such as research, MSC accreditation, promotion and improving occupational health and safety standards. It seems to me a classic case of sour grapes. The Minister didnt get his way and has since shown the industry which is worth half a billion dollars to WAs economy annually nothing but contempt. Western rock lobster is the largest wild caught commercial fishery in WA and is concentrated around Geraldton and the Mid West coast. In 2000 it became the worlds first Marine Stewardship Council-certified ecologically sustainable fishery. An ACIL Allen report in 2017 found the fishery was worth $505 million to WAs economy annually and employed more than 2400 people directly and indirectly. Mr Blayney said the Minister must recognise the industrys value and hoped he would accept an invitation to a cross-industry roundtable event being planned by the WA Fishing Industries Council in the near future. The event will provide an ideal opportunity for fisheries groups, including the Western Rock Lobster Council, to map out their strategic directions to Minister Kelly, he said. He needs to front peak bodies not shun them and establish a productive relationship to ensure this valuable natural resource and industry continues to flourish. 20191023 - Blayney QWN.mp4 - 132MB Link to Hansard

04.01.2022 Minister Kelly seems to have very little understanding of the basic facts around rock lobster fishing, reinforcing the widely held view that he has very little understanding of the entire industry. Know the fact. Find out more and pledge your support at https://fishingfamilieswa.org.au/

01.01.2022 Know the facts: There has been no real consultation, no sound justification, and no offer of compensation. We ask Mr Kelly to re-think his plan, sit down and talk to the industry and have a proper consultation process.

01.01.2022 Show your support for Fishing Families WA and against Minister Kellys risky rock lobster reforms with our Facebook profile frame! Works with both square and circular profile pictures.