The WRL Board agreed that it must continue to improve communications within and outside the industry if it is to attain its goal of creating a highly professional organisation and industry by 2022. WRL must have the means to inform the industry of RD&E that may influence day-to-day operations and longer-term planning for individual enterprises and the industry as a whole. Equally, WRL must be in a position to provide the community with information that increases trust, respect and value for the western rock lobster industry and its members. Of note, it is important that the wider community is aware of the RD&E that underpins the environmental record of the industry, innovation and its value to Western Australia (particularly to regional WA) and Australia.

WRL currently does not have the capacity to efficiently and effectively manage its RD&E communication methods with the industry and the wider community. This program will generate that capacity by and for WRL itself.

WRL has long acknowledged that the role of WRL is to support the broader industry (not only the fishermen) RD&E and to date, the organisation has been ineffective in doing so. It has been noted that there is a need to be more collaborative and encompassing of the diverse stakeholder groups within the industry, which can be achieved through greater engagement and improved communication. WRL must be perceived by its stakeholders as being relevant, accessible, responsive and a credible provider of RD&E to the industry.