QUEENSLAND’S Labor Party has promised to introduce three new net-free areas in the state in the lead-up to this weekend’s election.
In releasing its pre-election policy “Sustainable Fishing, Labor’s plan for fishing in Queensland”, Labor has promised significant new net-free areas for three regions in the state: Trinity Inlet, Cairns; St Helens Beach, MacKay; and Yeppoon/Keppel Bay/Fitzroy River, Capricorn Coast.
In the policy statement released last night, Labor leader Annastacia Palaszczuk writes “Labor will seek to increase the economic value of the state’s fisheries resource by recognising that the total value of fish caught by recreational fishing tourists includes spending on local tourism-related businesses such as charter boats, caravan parks and bait and tackle suppliers.”
“In recognition of this, a Labor Government will establish net-free zones and implement a plan for promoting charter fishing,” said Palaszczuk.
“This is a fantastic breakthrough and will be enthusiastically received by thousands though doubtless strongly contested by a handful of diehards”, said spokesman for QLD-based Cairns Recreational Fishing Industries Stakeholders (CAREFISH), Paul Aubin.
In a statement Aubin wrote: “CAREFISH welcomes the support from political parties regarding commercial Gill Net Free Areas.
“Labor announced yesterday it would install three zones ie Trinity Bay Cairns, Mackay and Keppel if elected and negotiate other areas in a process sure to revitalise recreational and tourist participation.
“This is the first time a major party has acknowledged the problem of gillnets in the middle of town and we applaud that.”
In the lead-up to the Queensland election CAREFISH sent the state’s political parties a questionnaire relating to their policies on recreational fishing. According to Aubin, responses were received from the LNP, Labor, Greens and the Palmer United Party – see summary of responses HERE.
Read Labor’s pre-election Sustainable Fishing policy HERE.
The Queensland state election is held this Saturday, January 31.
