Commercial fishing back in business

The Crisafulli Government removes fishing investment warnings that have cast doubt over the industry for the past decade.
The move restores confidence and improves financial access for commercial fishers in Queensland.
Crisafulli Government backs fishing industry, which is worth $354 million annually and drives our hospitality industry and export markets.

The Crisafulli Government is revoking investment warnings for the State’s commercial fishing industry — a move set to restore confidence, improve financial access and support industry growth.

For at least the last decade the commercial fishing industry has been under Government issued Investment and Increased Effort Warning Notifications.

The former Labor Government discouraged growth, dissuaded investment, restricted development and in some cases limited access to finance for fishers, casting doubt over the entire industry.

The investment warnings were a barrier to investment and innovation at a time when producers are looking to modernise, adapt and remain globally competitive.

Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said the change was vital to the future of the industry, which contributes around $354 million annually to Queensland’s economy while supporting about 2,835 jobs.

“Queensland’s commercial fishers deserve certainty and the confidence to grow and invest — that’s exactly what this decision delivers,” Minister Perrett said.

“By revoking these warnings, we’re backing our seafood industry, reducing red tape, and restoring confidence.

“Gone are the days of Labor trying to shut down this important industry with decisions that weren’t backed by science.

“This is a sensible change, that aligns with the direction of the government’s draft Primary Industries Prosper 2050 Blueprint - to enable growth through smarter regulation and industry confidence.

“This will support our ambitious target to grow the value of primary industries to $30 billion by 2030.

“The anti-fishing era of Labor has come to an end.”

The Queensland Seafood Industry Association’s CEO David Bobberman said the warnings had a chilling effect on investment in the industry and stunted its growth.

“This is an incredibly important development that will be universally welcomed by wild-catch fishers throughout the State,” Mr Bobberman said.

““It clearly shows the Crisafulli Government’s strong commitment to commercial fishing and to the rural and remote communities they support.

“It will significantly enhance the industry’s outlook and go a long way to repairing the fractured relationship it has had with previous State Governments.

“It is refreshing and exciting to know that we have the tangible support of the State Government.”

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Nicole Bond 0417 199 369