Published Thursday, 01 February, 2007 at 04:39 PM
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
PREMIER OFFERS WAY FORWARD TO GOLD COAST FISHERS
Premier Peter Beattie has offered a Government assistance package to Gold Coast commercial fishers to address the immediate need for adequate mooring and unloading facilities at The Southport Spit.
Mr Beattie, who made the offer following an early morning meeting, said the package would include the removal of the old jetties and the facilitation of a special Government loan for the Gold Coast Fishermens Cooperative to purchase portable replacements.
“The Cooperative put forward a proposal to remove the existing jetties and to purchase portable replacement jetties at an estimated cost of $360,000,” Mr Beattie said.
“After hearing about the difficulties they have faced since the Workplace Health and Safety closure of the deteriorating jetties, I gave them a commitment to help resolve the situation.
“The Government will cover the cost of removing the existing jetties and installing new pylons, estimated at $120,000.
“We will also negotiate a special Government loan of $240,000 so the Cooperative can purchase the portable jetties.
“These jetties will remain the property of the Cooperative, with the possibility of on-selling them once a more permanent solution can be found.”
Mr Beattie said the positive outcome from the informal meeting was a win-win for Gold Coast fishers and residents alike.
“The provision of portable jetties not only solves the short-term operational needs of Gold Coast fishers, but protects the Gold Coast tradition of purchasing fresh prawns straight off the boat,” Mr Beattie said.
Thursday, 1 February 2007
Media contact: 3224 4500
Mr Beattie, who made the offer following an early morning meeting, said the package would include the removal of the old jetties and the facilitation of a special Government loan for the Gold Coast Fishermens Cooperative to purchase portable replacements.
“The Cooperative put forward a proposal to remove the existing jetties and to purchase portable replacement jetties at an estimated cost of $360,000,” Mr Beattie said.
“After hearing about the difficulties they have faced since the Workplace Health and Safety closure of the deteriorating jetties, I gave them a commitment to help resolve the situation.
“The Government will cover the cost of removing the existing jetties and installing new pylons, estimated at $120,000.
“We will also negotiate a special Government loan of $240,000 so the Cooperative can purchase the portable jetties.
“These jetties will remain the property of the Cooperative, with the possibility of on-selling them once a more permanent solution can be found.”
Mr Beattie said the positive outcome from the informal meeting was a win-win for Gold Coast fishers and residents alike.
“The provision of portable jetties not only solves the short-term operational needs of Gold Coast fishers, but protects the Gold Coast tradition of purchasing fresh prawns straight off the boat,” Mr Beattie said.
Thursday, 1 February 2007
Media contact: 3224 4500