Community input to be sought about rock fishing

Wollongong City Council will soon call for community feedback on a plan to have locations within the city declared high-risk for rock fishing, following a resolution of Council tonight.

At the Council meeting, the Councillors resolved to seek stakeholder and community feedback on a proposal to opt-in to the Rock Fishing Safety Act 2016.

By opting-in, areas across the city, would be declared as high-risk and fishers would be required to wear lifejackets on rock shelfs.

The locations under consideration include Hill 60, where six rock fishers have lost their lives since 2021, as well as the popular and hazardous rock shelves between Coalcliff to Austinmer, Bellambi Point, at Waniora Point at Bulli, and at Flagstaff Hill in Wollongong.

See: Item 2: Rock Fishing Safety Act 2016 Council Report

“Rock fishing is one of Australia’s most high-risk pastimes and this step to seek community and stakeholder feedback a proposal to opt-in to the Act is an important one,’’ Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said.

“I know many people have a clear view on whether life jackets should be made mandatory, and I encourage those with opinions to provide their feedback so that we can consider our next steps and how to progress in the interest of rock fishers and their safety.’’

Council will also continue its work with other stakeholders, such as rock fishing groups, NSW Police, Surf Life Saving, National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Department of Primary Industry on next steps.

Once the community feedback has been collated, a report will go to Council with the engagement summary.

Community engagement will start in the coming weeks and be available through the Join the Conversation pages on Council’s website.