[Fish Antics]

The Ornamental Fish Management Implementation Group will discuss the Strategic Approach to the Management of Ornamental Fish in Australia on March 20 2009.

As the two largest and most influential hobbyist groups in WA the Perth Cichlid Society Inc and the Koi Society WA Inc have both been approached to elect a single representative of the Hobby for WA.

There is also a person from the hobby representing the Eastern states. Allen Bennet from the KSWA and Tony Corr from the PCS have already had a number of meetings and have come to an agreement to work together to represent the hobby as a whole in a united front.

As the representative for the East coast is a Cichlid enthusiast, the PCS and the KSWA have agreed to allow Allan to be the representative for WA.
Tony Corr will assist Allan and the two clubs will work together to try and present our combined case to make sure that any bans imposed are justified and have a minimum impact on our hobby.

We will also endeavour to make sure that all hobbyists are kept informed with up to date and accurate information from the meetings.

I would invite anyone who has an interest in tropical fish to take an active interest in this and other legislation that will have a major effect on our hobby. Any input, comment and constructive suggestions are welcome and should be sent to Tony Corr, tony.corr1@bigpond.com.au or posted on here to encourage discussion.

[Cicolid]

Well done Tony.

I know and appreciate the work you have put into this project.

It is a credit to the PCS that Fisheries have asked us to nominate a representative for the hobby from WA.

Col

[Ronny]

Well done Tony.

I know and appreciate the work you have put into this project.

It is a credit to the PCS that Fisheries have asked us to nominate a representative for the hobby from WA.

Col

Agreed, must be doing something right, glad to be part of the club

And good on ya Tony!!!

[Sazabi]

That's wonderful news, shows that WA hobbyists are making a stand

[rwillox]

Good News.

Ross

[Fish Antics]

Just to let you know that I spoke to Bill Barnsby form Dept Of Fisheries today.
There is no update at this stage. The Purple list still has to be reviewed by the panel with the suggestion that Clown knife fish are removed from the ban list for the moment. At this stage it looks like it will go through in about September. There will be another meeting of the working group around this time.
Allan Bennett has stood aside as he felt that he wasn't getting any feedback or allowed to give any participation in the review. I have spoken to Bill and am looking to set up a WA discussion group where we can all meet, and discuss issues partaining to WA and he can go to the Canberra meetings with our views put forward. The Cichlid Hobby also has strong representation by Bill Smith from Queensland Cichlid Society who is also keeping me informed about events.

Will keep you posted as we know more.

Tony

[Poncho]

That's disappointing to hear that Allan Bennett has pulled out - I was under the impression from your previous post that PCS had graciously moved aside to allow the koi people some voice. Surely it's better to have a hobbyist perspective present than not. If he feels like he's not being given any opportunity to speak then maybe he should force himself to be heard.

Tony, are you able to take Allan's place on this committee? Seems like a huge disadvantage to have our concerns being put forward through a gov't official.

[Fish Antics]

It was agreed that the Koi group be allowed to represent WA as the Cichlid hobby already has a representative in Bill Smith from Queensland Cichlid Society. Allan was doing his best to have both our clubs viewpoints heard, however has become concerned with the lack of consultation. His representation was via phone link to the Canberra meeting which was poor quality and was assured of a "fill in" meeting with WA fisheries on Bills return. There has been no communication with WA fisheries with Allan. A letter expressing his concerns has gone unanswered for a number of weeks. Allan is worried that the process is going on without the consultation we have been promised and this will lead to legislation progressing with the apparent input from the hobbyist that have been left in the dark.
I have also spoke to Bill at Fisheries who has suggested that this is not the case, it is just nothing is progressing here in WA. He is also swamped by other priorities such as funding and a cut in recourses.
Where it may be the case nothing is happening in WA, I am also aware that other states such as NSW discussions between state fisheries and local groups are ongoing, the main focus on the 10,000 Litre limit for non commercial breeding.
As mentioned I have spoke to Bill and suggested a similar meeting here which he seemed positive about. I will keep in touch with a number of people who are involved with the working group and will push for further input by hobbyist in the WA decisions.
I have attached a link to a copy of Allan's letter to the minister for you to see.

Allan was the best choice to represent the ornamental fish hobby in our state. His years of experience with large company contract negotiations made him the obvious choice. He has worked closely with me and kept me up to date with all stages and has worked hard to put both clubs points of view across. It is this experience which I feel he recognises a problem which most of us may miss and be happy to let go. His letter should hopefully push the minister to be more active in WA and listen to the hobbyist concerns.

Tony

Allan's letter

[Poncho]

Thanks for that information Tony.

So we still have ears at these meetings through Bill Smith?

I can understand Allan's frustration and consequential withdrawal from this group and am sorry if I'm coming across as judgemental of him - just sharing my thoughts as to what I think would be of most benefit to PCS and cichlid enthusiasts. Hopefully his letter to the minister is taken more seriously, though pessimistically I would predict that it will be offered the same basic lip service only.

However, my point is that what little hobbyist input we had in this working group is now gone. Surely we are in a better position being represented than not. If Allan, as our preferred option, is unwilling to continue then why wouldn't we (PCS) step in? Even if it means we sit in on two or three meetings only to withdraw as per Allan. If that was to be the case then it would certainly help prove the point of poor hobbyist consultation by the working group and give Allan's claims more credibility - you can be sure that the working group will counter his criticisms by stating that he is the one being difficult.

The WA discussion group is a good idea but it would still be useful to have someone at a hobbyist level at the Canberra meetings - even if it is to make sure Bill Barnsby is putting our concerns forward in the right context. If we were to just refuse to take part out of protest for not being taken seriously, then I think we'll be very disappointed when it all comes to fruition.

What do you think?

[Fish Antics]

Thanks for comments Brett. I realise you were not been judgemental of Allan. There is no budget for the hobbyiest to go to Canberra, it is purley by phone hook up, which did not work very well last time. I agree that it would be better to have someone representing the WA hobby but we run the risk of being in the same boat, a supposed representative not been heard or kept in the loop. I will recomend that the committee follow this up with WA fisheries and make sure we get the best outcome for the hobby.

Tony