Fisheries and game agencies to merge following sector cuts

THE Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) and the Game Management Authority (GMA) will be merged to form a new body that will oversee outdoor recreation across the state.

The Victorian government will establish the new agency, Outdoor Recreation Victoria, in July, with legislation to be introduced next year.

All VFA and GMA staff will transfer to the new entity, which will be responsible for supporting fishing, game hunting, boating, four-wheel driving and off-grid camping.

Outdoor Recreation Minister Steve Dimopoulos said the agency would build on the work of the existing bodies.

“The excellent work of the VFA and GMA will be expanded to support even more outdoor enthusiasts through Outdoor Recreation Victoria – creating better experiences for Victorians, visitors and businesses,” he said.

The body will “unlock opportunities for more Victorians to access the great outdoors”, Dimopoulos said, “while ensuring all jobs are retained”.

The announcement of the merger follows the release of the much-anticipated Silver Review this month, which recommended reducing duplication across the public sector, consolidating entities and lowering overall staff numbers.

The government accepted most of the review’s findings, with more than 1,000 public service roles expected to be cut over the coming years.

For the VFA, the move comes less than 12 months after a significant restructure to its workforce in April saw fisheries stations closed, 35 jobs cut, and its budget slashed by more than 40 per cent.

Shadow Minister for Outdoor Recreation, Melina Bath, said recreational fishers and hunters needed assurances that compliance capability would not be weakened in the merger.

“There must be a strong focus on training and education so compliance can be managed efficiently and effectively to protect the long-term sustainability of our fisheries and game resources,” she said.

“A single compliance authority has worked in other jurisdictions, including New Zealand, where fish and game operate together successfully. However, the key difference is that it has been properly supported and resourced by government.

“The proof is yet to be seen in Victoria.”