Overhaul of fisheries management in Queensland

The LNP Government will undertake a wide-ranging review of fisheries management in Queensland to deliver a better system for the state’s commercial and recreational fishers.

Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister John McVeigh said the review would fix a system that was complex, costly to administer, inconsistent and a burden on fishers.

“Fishing is a vital primary industry and a favourite recreational pursuit, but has suffered from 20 years of neglect under the previous Labor Government,” Mr McVeigh said.

“We need to reduce the masses of red tape that have weighed-down our fisheries management.

“There are about 900 pages of legislation for 1,500 commercial operations and a large number of exceptions to deal with the consequences of decades of ad hoc decision-making and policy on the run by Labor.

“We want to create balance between environmental and economic use, as well as ensure ongoing access for recreational and indigenous fishing.

“Over the next nine months, the review will examine our entire approach to managing the fishery, and will be guided by a Ministerial Advisory Committee.

“Engagement will be a key to the review. I will be bringing together commercial, recreational, conservation and indigenous groups to listen, consult and gather their views.”

Mr McVeigh said as a result of this decision the government had determined not to proceed with a review of the crab fishery.

“This may create some frustration, however we cannot keep going with bandaid approaches that result in little agreement by participants,” he said.

“Steps will be taken to ensure our management review does not impact the Commonwealth export accreditation that’s needed by some of our fisheries.

“This review is a chance to modernise the way our Queensland fisheries are managed, to ensure the future of the resource and the community benefits of commercial and recreational fishing in Queensland.”

[ENDS] 6 March 2014

Media Contact: Lachlan Millar 0407 394 580