Tackling a new era for QBFP in Townsville

North Queensland’s boating and fishing communities will be better serviced with the official opening of the new Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol depot.

The Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) has moved to a new home in Townsville, which was officially opened today.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said for many years QBFP had operated out of multiple premises at Garbutt.

“It was time to amalgamate the operations and administrative functions to one location in Langton Street, adjacent to the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Regional Office,” he said.

“With the old lease expiring, we relocated all of our operations including storage of vessels, equipment, seized items and shark control program stores to the new site.

“No significant fit out changes were required, and we can now meet all of our operational, storage, security, and administrative needs at one location.”

Mr Furner said the new depot was another sign of the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to a sustainable fisheries sector.

“At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we created a $27.25 million industry package to support our commercial fishing industry including waiving some fees,” he said.

“Our Market Diversification and Resilience Grants program has helped businesses to develop new products and find new markets after so many were lost during the pandemic.

“Funding for our Recreational Fishing Grants program also increased in 2020 to $200,000 to support groups that enhance recreational fishing throughout Queensland.

“We are continuing to deliver our Sustainable Fisheries Strategy this year, which will see more red tape cut for the commercial sector, protect export jobs and set Queensland on the path to a more profitable and sustainable fisheries.”

ENDS

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