Proposal to allow recreational fishing at Scotts Point

Recreational anglers could soon be able to wet a line at Scotts Point on the Redcliffe Peninsula, under a proposal to change marine park zoning.

Premier Campbell Newman said he wanted to change the zoning of the first 100 metres of the existing Scotts Point marine national park zone to allow recreational fishing from the shore.

“The current zoning deprives families of the pleasure of fishing from the shoreline at Scotts Point,” Mr Newman said.

“Many Redcliffe locals have told us they want to use the shoreline at Scotts Point for recreational fishing, so we’re now consulting more widely with the public to see if there’s a desire to make this happen.”

“The proposed change of zoning is a common-sense approach. The new zoning will have minimal impact on the environment, while producing great lifestyle benefits for the community.”

National Parks Minister Steve Dickson said the proposal was to change the first 100 metres of the existing Scotts Point marine national park zone or ‘green zone’ into a special management area.

Mr Dickson said the proposal would require an amendment to the Marine Parks (Moreton Bay) Zoning Plan 2008 following public consultation, but assured the public that Scotts Point would remain protected.

“The special management area would be highly protected under current legislation, with areas beyond 100 metres retained within the green zone, where all fishing and collecting is banned," he said.

Mr Dickson called on Queenslanders to come forward with other locations that could benefit from similar solutions.

“If there’s an area near you with good public access to the shoreline, where recreational fishing would have minimal impact on the environment, I urge you to tell your local MP,” he said.

Minister for Fisheries John McVeigh said anglers would be allowed one line and that fisheries rules on bag and size limits would continue to apply under the proposed changes.

“We want to protect our marine areas, while still ensuring they are accessible for locals and tourists to enjoy.”

A 28 day public consultation period commences on Monday 17^th February. For more information visit www.nprsr.qld.gov.au

The Government has said there would be no review of offshore green zones in the Moreton Bay area before a scheduled review in 2017.

[ENDS] 16 February 2013

Media Contact: Michelle Buckworth 0418 433 647