Inland Fisheries Advisory Council

The Inland Fisheries Advisory Council (IFAC) was formally established in 2000 under the Inland Fisheries Act 1995. Its principal role is to advise the Minister on inland fisheries issues, provide a forum for consultation, promote understanding and acceptance of the functions of the Director of Inland Fisheries, encourage community support for fisheries management activities and review management plans for inland fisheries.

Membership

IFAC members (L to R) – Dr Christine Mucha, Mike Stevens, Gary France, Phillip Cooper, Sue Baker (Chairperson), Dr Karen Richards and John Diggle (Director of Inland Fisheries)

Initially IFAC was made up of nine members, representing various segments of the industry and the recreational fishery, who were appointed for a two-year term by the Minister. The structure of IFAC was subsequently altered on 29 October 2011 when the final term of the previous members expired.

The number of members was reduced to seven including the Director of Inland Fisheries and the appointment period was increased to four years. Further, the appointment of members is now skills based to provide advice to the Director of Inland Fisheries as well as the Minister.

The following table lists those members appointed for a four-year term on 30 October 2011.