January 17, 2019 Please Minister Kelly, stop wasting time and start saving lives Attempts by Fisheries Minister Dave Kelly to delay the start of a SMART Drumline trial off the South West coast fell flat today when the Environmental Protection Authority declared the trial would have minimal environmental impact. Liberal Opposition spokesperson on sharks, Libby Mettam said the EPA determination not only underlined community support for the scientific trial but also backed the methodology used in trials in New South Wales. Ms Mettam said Minister Kelly had done all in his power to delay and thwart the trial he promised following shark attacks during the Margaret River Surf Pro last year. “It is now time for the McGowan Government to do what it promised and put the SMART Drumlines in the water,” Ms Mettam said. “With the 2019 Margaret River Pro just two months away, Mr Kelly has squandered an opportunity to deliver a tagging program and alert system the would provide greater confidence not only to competitors but also the wider public. “Mr Kelly has instead busied itself delaying and compromising the integrity of the trial at every step of its planning. “Despite already existing scientific advice on the best way to configure the drumlines, the McGowan Government sought input from Sea Shepherd and the Conservation Council – entities which have both voiced opposition to the use of drumlines. “After announcing the trial in August 2017, the McGowan Government did not then make its submission to the EPA until December 21. “Even with this extraordinary delay it is pleasing that there is finally some progress on this trial. “The Minister needs to get on with the trial and stop playing politics with people’s lives.” Media Contact |
