Consultation begins on independent fisheries management report

 The Palaszczuk Government is inviting all Queenslanders to have their say on the future of their fisheries with today’s release of an independent report.

Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Bill Byrne, said the report prepared by MRAG Asia Pacific recommends significant long-term changes to the current fisheries management arrangements.

“I am pleased today to release this important report into our fisheries – a resource owned, shared and used by all of the people of Queensland.

“The report makes 80 substantial recommendations, including significantly altering the allocation of fisheries resources. It requires careful and open consideration.

“The MRAG report was commissioned and completed under the LNP Government but never made public.

“Labor made a commitment to release the review and now I want to open up these ideas for ventilation to the whole community,” Minister Byrne said.

The Government is releasing a consultation survey on the report and has written to major stakeholders today encouraging their input.

The report covers both general and proscriptive recommendations for commercial, recreational and traditional fishing.

“This independent report poses serious questions for the community and for industry.

“The report makes us consider what sort of fisheries management we think is appropriate, what balancing needs to occur to share our precious resource and what price we’re willing to pay as a community to implement these changes.

“Once we have feedback, the Government will produce a response to the report by the end of 2015. We will work with industry and all fisheries users on this important report.

“The Palaszczuk Government wants to have the best run, best managed modern fisheries for all users.”

The full report can be viewed at www.daf.qld.gov.au. To complete the survey visit www.getinvolved.qld.gov.au

For more information on the fisheries review, visit www.daf.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23.

Media: 0448 994172

ENDS