SPECIAL EDITION - Results of Round 2 of the fishing concession buyback announced

Australian Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation, Senator Eric Abetz, today announced the final results of the Business Exit Assistance component of the Australian Government’s $220m Securing our Fishing Future package. 

“I am pleased to announce that the Government’s $148 million investment in the future of the industry will remove more than 550 fishing concessions from Commonwealth-managed fisheries,” said Senator Abetz.

“The Government’s fishing concession buyback has allowed fishermen who wanted to leave the industry the opportunity to do so with dignity, while better positioning those who remain to be profitable in future.”

“Together with the historic fisheries reforms being implemented through AFMA, this package will help set the Commonwealth fishing industry up for a more sustainable and profitable future.”

Close to 150 fishing concessions will be purchased in the second round of the tender.  Letters have been mailed to successful second round tenderers who have until 15 March 2007 to hand in their fishing concessions. Almost $90 million has already been paid to remove over 400 fishing concessions in the first round of buybacks.
 
Following the second round the Northern Prawn Fishery (NPF) will realise a one third reduction in fishing concessions, whilst the reduction in the Bass Strait Central Zone Scallop Fishery (BSCZSF) will be closer to 14%.

The Minister said these results added to the already satisfying results achieved in the first round of the buyback in the Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery, and the Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery.
 
The Minister reminded skippers and crew who lose their employment as a direct result of a successfully tendered fishing concession that they may be eligible for assistance. Although applications for skippers and crew assistance as result of the first round of the buyback were scheduled to close on 15 December 2006, this date has now been extended.  Applications for assistance relating to either round of the buyback are to be received by the Department no later than Friday, 23 March 2007.

The first round of the Onshore Business Assistance and the Fishing Community Assistance, aimed at assisting businesses and communities affected by reduced fishing activity, both close on 12 January 2007. 

”I strongly encourage all who feel they are eligible for either of these grant programmes to contact the Department’s Help Desk on 1800 617 866,” Senator Abetz said. 

For a comprehensive breakdown of the Commonwealth fishing concessions to be surrendered and the geographic spread of accepted tenders, please visit the Minister's website.  For more information on the Securing our Fishing Future package visit DAFF or call their helpdesk on 1800 617 866 (toll free).