The Premier Daniel Andrews has announced a compulsory buy out of the 10 remaining Gippsland Lakes Fishery licences over the next 4 years IF RE-ELECTED next Saturday. The compensation will be fair and respectful. This will mean an reallocation of the community resource to the recreational fishing sector where there is greater economic benefit to Gippsland and Victoria. The LNP have offered a voluntary buy out and allocated the sum of $2 million to achieve this. We know that at least 4 of the licence holders are ready to retire and will embrace this, however it means that the same amount of fish can be caught by the remaining licence holders as there is  no mention of restrictions on catch via  species quotas or an extension of "no go"areas in the Lakes. So there will be no net benefit to the recreational sector. We still don't understand why the LNP supported a compulsory buy out of licences in Port Phillip and Corio Bay because of the greater economic benefit from the reallocation of resources  but are reluctant to do the same for the Gippsland Lakes ?! Locals have been lobbying for an end to commercial netting in the Lakes for over 30 years when it was evident that the fishery was in decline, despite a so called reduction in effort via a voluntary reduction in licences.  Since then we have seen more local businesses close, affecting tourists and locals alike. No packages for them or their employees!  Yes it is confronting to remove people from a job they have had for generations BUT the commercial fishers access this waterway under licence from the Government. The Government has the right under legislation to reallocate the resource to where it will have more economic and social benefit.  That is  hard but good management!  There are 2 independent candidates who also support a compulsory buy out, Matt Stephenson and George Neaphytou. Ben Garret another independent is seeking firstly a voluntary buy out then review.  All we ask is YOU VOTE 1 THE GIPPSLAND LAKES! in the Lower and Upper House. Beware of preference deals and number your candidates as you see fit particularly in the upper house,  where you should Number 1 to at least 5 below the line to get the vote allocated to the person you want.  We thank you for your support over the last 11 months, now it is up to YOU!