Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King has launched a scathing attack on the Greens political party, accusing them of running a 'stupid scare campaign' about proposed fishing restrictions around Garden Island in Western Australia.
The controversy emerged as the federal government considers the island as a potential home port for nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS security pact with the United States and United Kingdom.
Political Battle Over Naval Base Plans
The Western Australian MP didn't hold back in her criticism of the Greens during a recent interview, specifically targeting what she called misinformation about fishing access around the strategic naval facility.
'This is a stupid scare campaign by the Greens, who should know better,' King stated emphatically. She argued that the party was deliberately misleading recreational fishers about the potential impacts of the AUKUS-related developments.
The minister confirmed that while some fishing restrictions were being considered around Garden Island, these would be limited to specific operational areas rather than the entire surrounding waters. Cockburn Sound, the body of water adjacent to the island, remains a popular fishing ground that attracts thousands of recreational anglers annually.
Balancing Security Needs With Community Access
Defence officials have been examining potential security measures for the island, which already serves as a key naval base. The consideration of Garden Island as a future home port for nuclear-powered submarines has necessitated reviewing existing access arrangements.
However, King stressed that any changes would be carefully calibrated to ensure both national security requirements and community access to fishing grounds are appropriately balanced.
'The idea that there will be a complete fishing ban is simply false,' the minister clarified. She explained that security zones would likely be limited to immediate areas around submarine berthing facilities and operational zones.
The debate comes as Australia moves forward with the AUKUS partnership, which will see the Royal Australian Navy operating nuclear-powered submarines for the first time. Garden Island represents one of several potential basing options being considered by defence planners.
Community Concerns and Political Reactions
Local fishing communities and recreational groups have expressed anxiety about potential restrictions, with the Greens capitalizing on these concerns in their political campaigning.
The party has been actively opposing what they characterize as a 'lockout' of recreational fishers from traditional fishing grounds, arguing that defence requirements shouldn't override community access to public waters.
King countered these claims by emphasizing the importance of the AUKUS partnership for Australia's long-term security and the economic benefits it would bring to Western Australia.
'The Greens are playing politics with national security,' she asserted, suggesting the party was more interested in scoring political points than engaging in serious policy discussion.
The minister also highlighted that defence officials would conduct proper consultation with stakeholders before implementing any changes to fishing access around Garden Island.
As the AUKUS implementation progresses, the tension between security requirements and community interests around strategic defence locations like Garden Island is likely to continue generating political debate and public discussion across Western Australia.
