The Nationals WA hosted a Firearms and Fishing Forum in Geraldton this week, attended by Leader Shane
Love, candidate for Geraldton Kirrilee Warr, and Federal Senator Bridget McKenzie.
The event saw a packed room of around 100 residents attend the Broadwater Hotel to voice concerns over
Labor’s contentious new firearms laws and numerous issues impacting the fishing industry.
Kirrilee Warr said the forum highlighted the growing frustration among Mid West residents and industry.
“From the ocean to the outback, people are fed up with the lack of support from their local Labor MP and the
harsh impact of Labor’s reckless policies,” Ms Warr said.
“Mid West firearms owners feel abandoned, with their local member remaining silent on laws that will strip
away their licenses and damage their livelihoods.
“The economic impact can’t be ignored either. Recreational hunting and shooting – which Labor will ban under
their new laws – contributes $124 million to WA’s economy each year.
“This included $38 million in regional spending on fuel, food, and accommodation.
“The loss of recreational shooting and hunting will hit regional communities hard and Labor has no regard for
the consequences.”
Ms Warr said the local fishing community was also concerned about Labor’s proposed South Coast Marine
Park and fears over potential restrictions at the Abrolhos Islands.
“Labor’s decision to ditch the Aquatic Resources Management Act after seven years of consultation has been
condemned by the industry, who were relying on the Act to provide them with certainty around access, and
compensation if access was revoked,” Ms Warr said.
“The new South Coast Marine Park, potential expansion of the Abrolhos Islands National Park, and offshore
renewable energy projects in the Mid West are all causing concern in the community and amongst industry.
“Any changes to fishing access must go hand-in-hand with consultation and compensation for those impacted,
or will risk damaging our world-class fishing industry and undermining our sustainable fisheries.
“Some fishers have already claimed banks are becoming hesitant to grant loans due to uncertainty in the
industry’s future, so while some of these changes may be years away, the impact is already being felt.”
Ms Warr promised to continue raising the concerns of local firearms owners and fishers throughout the State
election campaign.
“Unlike Labor, I won’t stay silent on issues that matter,” Ms Warr said.
“Geraldton needs a strong voice in Parliament to fight for our region and our local industries, and I’m
committed to standing up for the people of Geraldton and making sure we are heard.”
