Along with Gilmore candidate Fiona Phillips, Mr Fitzgibbion held a forum at the Soliders Club on June 2 to hear the recreational fishing communities thoughts on the super trawler, which has been seen in South Coast waters recently. 

Mrs Phillips said about 50 people attended the forum. 

“I don’t think anyone there was in support of the super trawler,” she said. 

“It was very good and a lot of issues were discussed. 

“The main focus was on the trawler and how we can stop it.” 

As the Labor shadow Minister for Forestry, Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Affairs, Mr Fitzgibbon said his party opposed super trawlers and criticised Gilmore MP, Ann Sudmalis for her lack of action on the issue.

“Labor has been fighting the super trawlers since 2012 ,” he said.

“Ann Sudmalis has had every opportunity in parliament to stand with Labor in opposing the super trawler and now she has her friends on the Shoalhaven Council opposing the super trawler.

“A council doesn’t have any jurisdiction, there is nothing they can do. We welcome the council’s support, but it is a bit late for the local member.”

It was towards the end of last year that the Labor government tried to move a motion in the senate to continue the suspension of Geelong Star’s activities.

A tied vote meant the motion was defeated, and the trawler was allowed to resume its operation.

Mr Fitzgibbon said the fight against super trawlers is far from over, citing the lack of scientific evidence in favour of its activities.

“Labor maintains its commitment to ensure super trawlers don’t have adverse affects on our recreational fishing stocks and our pelagic fisheries,” he said

“We will continue to oppose the operation of super trawlers until such time it can be demonstrated clearly and scientifically that they do no harm. If in doubt, leave it out.”

Gilmore MP Ann Sudmalis was not invited to attend the forum in Batemans Bay.