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Bowfishing update: Response from the NSW Minister for Agriculture

Photo courtesy of Luke – Oz Fish and Game

On the 22nd of July 2022, I submitted a lengthy request to have the NSW bow fishing legislation reviewed for a second time. The NSW Minister for Agriculture has now provided me with a formal response to this request. His response is attached below.

“Dear Mr (last name withheld*)

Thank you for your correspondence of 22 July 2022 regarding bow fishing. I appreciate the reasons which have prompted you to write, and trust that the following information will provide some clarity.

As you are aware, bow fishing for carp in selected inland waters was introduced in 2021 after lengthy public consultation, including a successful bow fishing trial conducted in 2016.

I note your suggestions to expand bow fishing activities and have referred your ideas and initiatives to the Recreational Fishing NSW Advisory Council, which provides advice to me on recreational fishing matters.

I trust the above information is of assistance, however, if you have any further enquiries, I have asked Mr. Peter Turnell, Director, Fisheries and Aquaculture Management with DPI Fisheries, to be available to answer any questions. Mr. Turnell can be contacted on (number removed*).

Thank you for taking the time to bring this matter to the Government’s attention.

Your sincerely

Dugald Saunders
Minister”

What is the Recreational Fishing NSW Advisory Council?

According to the NSW Department of Primary Industry’s website, the Recreational Fishing NSW Advisory Council (RFNSW) was established in 2016, to provide advice to the Minister for Primary Industries on key recreational fishing issues in NSW.

“The Advisory Council is based around a modern representative model, ensuring the views of regional fishers from right across the State are communicated. RFNSW includes representation from eight regional areas, two members with expertise in spearfishing and charter boat fishing, and other representatives that significantly benefit the function of the Advisory Council.”

Unfortunately, there is no information available that would allow me to ascertain if any members ‘hold expertise’ in bow fishing…

What’s next?

Based upon my research, it appears as though RFNSW holds a meeting every 3 months – with the one following my communication (meeting 25) due to be held in mid-August. So it’s entirely possible that the matter has already been raised with RFNSW. I am unsure if they will provide me with any form of direct response, however, the meeting summary will be available for all to read (once published), via the link attached here.

In theory, they may choose to accept my full submission (or part thereof) and pass on a recommendation to action each accepted suggestion. Or, they may choose to completely dismiss my response and have no further action being taken. Honestly, it could go either way…

Until then, it’s a matter of patiently playing the waiting game. All I can do is hope that my submission will change a few opinions of bow fishing, so that we get the support (and access) that we as a community deserve!

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