Nationals Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, has raised in Parliament this week a ludicrous anomaly that is stopping Gippsland Lakes recreational fishers from catching prawns and crabs for consumption – a determination that is impacting several local businesses.

“According to the Department of Health, commercial fishers can now legally harvest crabs and prawns on the Gippsland Lakes for human consumption after the department recently provided the green light after testing confirmed quality concerns no longer existed,” Mr Bull said.

“However, strangely, the Department of Health advice has not changed for recreational fishers and is still recommending that shellfish, prawns and crabs caught in the Gippsland Lakes should not be consumed.”

Mr Bull said there should not be two sets of rules and in the past, the all-clear has been given concurrently.

“We have had locals contact the Department of Health and even other government agencies contact the department to have them revisit this, but they do not respond, and this advice has now remained in place for a fortnight.

“In this past week I have had contact from two businesses who are significantly economically impacted by this feet dragging episode.

“We have Easter approaching, which is a big weekend for the recreational fishing industry and those who rely on day boat hire and recreational fishing more generally should not have this unnecessary impediment remaining because someone is not doing the paperwork,” Mr Bull said.

Caption: Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, is calling for the Department of Health to clear-up advice surrounding the safe consumption of prawns, crabs and shellfish caught in the Gippsland Lakes, before tourists arrive this Easter.

Wednesday, 22 March 2023