Public comment sought on proposed new Fish Habitat Areas in Central Queensland

The State Government is calling for public input on a proposal to protect important Central Queensland fish habitats, and ultimately the Great Barrier Reef.

Minister for National Parks and the Great Barrier Reef Dr Steven Miles encouraged people to have their say on a plan to create declared Fish Habitat Areas in the Calliope River at Gladstone.

“Declared Fish Habitat Areas provide long-term protection for fish habitats, while still allowing the community to enjoy recreational, commercial and traditional fishing, boating and recreation activities.

“They play an important role in the protection of our Great Barrier Reef by minimising coastal development which can lead to a loss of habitat and decline in water quality,” Dr Miles said.

“Consultation with the community is a key part of the process and helps determine the level of public support, and I welcome submissions from all interested parties” Dr Miles said.

Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher said the Gladstone community had been invited to provide feedback on the proposal to include the new habitats.

“Fish surveys conducted in the proposed areas have shown how important these areas are to our fisheries,” Mr Butcher said.

“Juvenile barramundi were found in the Calliope River so that’s an area we want to protect so they can flourish.

“It’s crucial that we safeguard these places because a wide range of important juvenile and adult fish habitats are critical to maintaining our recreational, commercial and indigenous fisheries.”

There are currently 70 declared Fish Habitat Areas in Queensland which protect more than one million hectares of essential fish habitats such as mangroves, salt marsh and seagrass meadows.

This is the second and final round of consultation—the original area of interest plans have been amended based on stakeholder feedback from the first round of consultation.

The Government will consider all submissions before making a final decision.

For more information visit www.npsr.qld.gov.au or phone 07 4936 0156.                                                 

ENDS

Media contact: Katharine Wright 0422 580 342