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Sport and Recreation Environment and Water | November 05, 2018

A better deal for recreation water users - Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor,

They say you get out what you put in, but that hasn’t been the case for recreational fishers and boaties under Daniel Andrews and Labor.

Victorian boat users pay significant fees to the state government each year, but for four years Daniel Andrews has only invested a tiny amount of these fees back into boating infrastructure.

A Liberal Nationals Government will put all proceeds from boating licence fees back into enhancing boating experiences through a new Blue Infrastructure Fund.

We will make sure boating fees are invested back into infrastructure like more boat ramps, jetties, navigational lighting and onshore facilities that improve access, enjoyment and protection to Victoria’s waterways.

A Liberal Nationals Government will also abolish boat ramp parking and launching fees.

It is estimated that recreational boating contributes $4.5 billion to the Victorian economy each year.

In 2016/17 the Andrews Labor Government collected more than $27 million from boat users but only spent 11 per cent or $3.23 million on boating infrastructure.

Daniel Andrews might be fishing for votes as the election approaches, but his track record over the past four years proves he and his dodgy government can’t be trusted.

Only a Liberal Nationals Government will deliver 100 per cent of boating licence fees back into better infrastructure for use by our recreational fishers and boaties.

Emma Kealy

The Nationals Member for Lowan