11th November 2014

Page 1

Mornington

Seymour heads to Mornington

Your guide to what’s on this weekend for peninsula families

See page 63

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Tuesday 11 November 2014

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Free fun Sundays THE shire’s libraries are jampacked with programs this month to celebrate Spring into Sundays. Mornington library will open on Sundays 1-5pm until 30 November. Those visiting can go in the draw to win prizes. On offer are gift vouchers from Peninsula Hot Springs and Polperro Dolphin Swims, a swim pass from Pelican Park, book vouchers from local bookshops, cinema tickets and more. Visit ourlibrary.mornpen.vic.gov. au for full details. Booked out: Mornington librarian Elizabeth Nelson reads to under 5s at Mornington Library’s regular Tiny Tots storytime event. Picture: Yanni

Fishermen: nets ban ‘a stunt’ Stephen Taylor steve@mpnews.com.au COMMERCIAL fisherman plying their trade off Mornington and the Southern Peninsula are adamant the state government’s proposed netting ban is poorly thought out and smacks of “political expediency�. They are angry at Premier Denis Napthine’s announcement at the Carrum Surf Life Saving Club last week that he will ban commercial netting in Port Phillip Bay. The Coalition says it will buy back all commercial licences within four years and has pledged $20 million to begin the process if re-elected at state elec-

tions to be held this month. The promise forms part of a $65 million package for a “better bay�. Dr Napthine said the removal of commercial bay fishing would mean more fish for amateur anglers, who are estimated to number 720,000-$750,000. “Our vision is for Port Phillip and Corio bays to be recreational fishing meccas for locals and visitors,� he said. He said an independent panel would help decide how the buyback would be structured and commercial netting phased out. The panel would consult with peak bodies such as Seafood Industry Victoria, Victorian Recreational Fishing (VRFish) and key stakeholders Future

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Fish, Australian Fishing Trading Association and others. But Seafood Industry Victoria - a not for profit, non-government organisation representing the interests of the commercial fisherman – says the loss of the 42 licences will decimate jobs among fishermen and those in related industries. “Does the government understand the effect this will have on jobs in the processing, wholesale and retail fish sectors?� executive director Johnathon Davey said. “Do they realise the ban will fuel the thriving black market in whiting and snapper sold by ‘shamateurs’ that exists today?�

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“This issue is not simply going to affect commercial fishermen. What about its impact on fish mongers and retail fish and chip shops in the main street? “There will be considerably less flathead, snapper, calamari, whiting and other species available, while prices will increase as a result of supply shortages.� Two Mornington brothers – perhaps now the last of four generations of commercial fishermen based on the peninsula – are downright angry at plans to remove their livelihood. They know no other trade. “The proposed ban is a sign of a desperate government,� said Neville Hutchins, 62, who, with brother Dal-

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ton, 60, runs a fresh fish shop at Fisherman’s beach. Their family business began in the 1890s. “There’s no need for it,� he said. “Everything we do is environmentally sound, and there’s certainly no shortage of fish. The best seafood is right here.� The brothers sell fresh snapper, salmon, whiting, wrasse and pike to buyers “all over the place� caught from their six metre ‘tinnie’. “Without people like us catching and selling fish from the bay it will all have to be imported,� Neville said. “As it is, 70 per cent of the fish sold in shops and supermarkets is imported.� Continued Page 16

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