LAST week, the News Of The Area, reported on some community concerns of a possible ban on recreational fishing spreading to the Myall Coast.

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With more than a week to go on a Public Submission, the NSW Government has axed any plan for ‘no fishing’ zones across 25 marine parks from Wollongong to Newcastle.

Primary Industries Minister Niall Blair said, “We are taking the fishing lock outs off the table.”

The announcement was made ahead of the close of a six-week public consultation.

The Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party had been campaigning hard on the issue.

Petitions against any ban had also been circulated across the Myall Coast.

Paul Viera, from Tea Gardens Marine and Tackle was concerned on the effect on tourism should any fishing ban be implemented.

There are 850,000 registered amateur fishermen and women across New South Wales and that figure doesn’t include pensioners or those under the age of 18 who throw in a line.

Conservationists aren’t happy with the Government’s change of heart.

Sydney Marine Park campaigner Daisy Barham said, “A marine park that doesn’t have highly protected sanctuary zones is like having a national park that allows hunting.”

Greens MP Justin Field also described it as a ‘disgraceful backflip’ from an “anti-science, anti-environment” Government.

By Margie TIERNEY