Libby Mettam promises to slash recreational fishing licensing costs by up to $250 per year

A Liberal Government would slash recreational fishing licensing costs by up to $250 a year, leader Libby Mettam says.

Ms Mettam wants to replace six licences, costing up to $290, with once licence of $40.

“This is about giving real savings to families who participate in one of the state’s most popular recreation activities,” Ms Mettam said.

“There are also net gains for local economies.

“Recreational fishers support tourism operators, fuel stations, caravan parks, and local communities wherever they travel.

“By promoting recreational fishing at a time when many Western Australians are cutting back due to the cost-of-living crisis, we’re encouraging them to get out and support WA’s economy.”

Last financial year, 229,000 licences were issued for recreational fishing with licences for western rock lobster, abalone, marron, freshwater angling, and net fishing all priced at $50.

The most common licence, recreational fishing from boat, is priced at $40.

Under the Liberal proposal, for fishers who currently pay for six separate licences the saving would be $250.

For fishers who pay $40 for a fishing from a boat licence, the cost will be the same but all types of fishing will be included in their licence.

Ms Mettam said the $21 million budget for the proposed changes meant organisations, such as Recfishwest, and other initiatives that currently benefited from the proceeds of licencing fees would not be impacted and would continue to be funded.

Ms Mettam also said on Saturday a Liberal government would invest $37.5m to build a new 12-court indoor multi-sport stadium in Kensington.