THE Hastings River Fishermen's Co-operative have taken the state government to task for a perceived lack of support.
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Second generation Co-op member Cecil Hyde pointed to a letter from the Minister for Primary Industries printed in the May 8 edition of the Port News.
Niall Blair, who is also the Minister for Lands and Water, wrote that 'nothing is more important than supporting the industries that support the communities of Port Macquarie'.
"Well, I'm asking the Minister 'where is his support now that the Department of Crown Lands is closing down the oldest trading fishermen's co-operative in NSW?'" Mr Hyde asked.
The professional said the business employs more than 20 people, has never defaulted on rent and has been trading for 70 years.
"How do you expect us to survive?" he asked.
"We would like the Minister to meet with us and discuss how we can keep on supporting a community that is behind supporting the Co-op at this devastating time."
Mr Hyde sent the letter to the Minister on Monday.
Mr Blair's office was contacted on Monday and yesterday a spokeswoman said the Minister intends to meet with the Co-op in coming months.
"Redevelopment for the Kooloonbung Creek harbour and the commercial moorings at Port Macquarie has the potential to revitalise the foreshore with improved access and better facilities, including a fisherman's wharf precinct," the spokeswoman said.
"Investigations have commenced to define the redevelopment options for the Kooloonbung Creek harbour in line with the strategies outlined in the Hastings Regional Crown Reserve Precinct A Plan of Management and any redevelopment will be put to market."