FISHERS FINED FOR BREACHING EX-HMAS BRISBANE DIVE SITE
Published Friday, 12 October, 2007 at 12:17 PM
Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation
The Honourable Andrew McNamara
Boaties and fishers have been reminded about access restrictions around the world-class dive site, the ex-HMAS Brisbane Conservation Park, off Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast.
In recent weeks, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service has issued four $225 fines to recreational boaties and a commercial fisherman found within the restricted access area of the dive site without a permit or authority.
Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation, Andrew McNamara, said boaties and fishers should not go within the 35 hectare conservation park unless they are there to dive or snorkel, and have a permit from Maroochy Tourism.
“The conservation park was created in 2005 to protect the unique artificial reef and dive site created by the sinking of the ex-HMAS Brisbane destroyer,” Mr McNamara said.
“Situated 2.9 nautical miles east of Old Woman Island, the Brisbane has seen a remarkable transformation from sunken steel hull into a thriving marine ecosystem, becoming the premier wreck dive site on Australia’s east coast.
“This area is restricted to divers and snorkellers, so that we can protect the diverse marine life that makes this site such a great attraction, and ensure diver safety.
“Many divers are “hooked” on exploring this site, so let’s make sure they’re not literally hooked on the end of a fishing line.”
Mr McNamara said anyone found within 400m of the surface buoys who does not have a permit, and is not diving with one of the three licensed dive operators, is within the restricted access zone and will incur a fine.
‘We’d prefer not to issue fines, but it is a matter of diver safety and protecting the natural amenity of the dive site,” he said.
“There are so many great fishing spots off the Sunshine Coast, there’s no need to illegally fish within this Conservation Park, and interfere with the experience for people wanting to enjoy first-class wreck diving.
Mr McNamara said signage was displayed at boat ramps between Kawana and Noosa; and posters and brochures about the Brisbane are distributed through tourism outlets and major fishing, tackle and dive shops.
“This site is well-deserving of its local and international acclaim as a world class dive location,” Mr McNamara said.
“It’s a one-of-a-kind diving location which features a myriad of marine life.”
Media Contact: Peter McCarthy 3336 8004
In recent weeks, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service has issued four $225 fines to recreational boaties and a commercial fisherman found within the restricted access area of the dive site without a permit or authority.
Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation, Andrew McNamara, said boaties and fishers should not go within the 35 hectare conservation park unless they are there to dive or snorkel, and have a permit from Maroochy Tourism.
“The conservation park was created in 2005 to protect the unique artificial reef and dive site created by the sinking of the ex-HMAS Brisbane destroyer,” Mr McNamara said.
“Situated 2.9 nautical miles east of Old Woman Island, the Brisbane has seen a remarkable transformation from sunken steel hull into a thriving marine ecosystem, becoming the premier wreck dive site on Australia’s east coast.
“This area is restricted to divers and snorkellers, so that we can protect the diverse marine life that makes this site such a great attraction, and ensure diver safety.
“Many divers are “hooked” on exploring this site, so let’s make sure they’re not literally hooked on the end of a fishing line.”
Mr McNamara said anyone found within 400m of the surface buoys who does not have a permit, and is not diving with one of the three licensed dive operators, is within the restricted access zone and will incur a fine.
‘We’d prefer not to issue fines, but it is a matter of diver safety and protecting the natural amenity of the dive site,” he said.
“There are so many great fishing spots off the Sunshine Coast, there’s no need to illegally fish within this Conservation Park, and interfere with the experience for people wanting to enjoy first-class wreck diving.
Mr McNamara said signage was displayed at boat ramps between Kawana and Noosa; and posters and brochures about the Brisbane are distributed through tourism outlets and major fishing, tackle and dive shops.
“This site is well-deserving of its local and international acclaim as a world class dive location,” Mr McNamara said.
“It’s a one-of-a-kind diving location which features a myriad of marine life.”
Media Contact: Peter McCarthy 3336 8004