Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin told that proposed changes to a number of Queensland’s fisheries have been released for public comment. According to him the Combined Fisheries Management Regulatory Impact Statement and draft Public Benefit Test contain a number of positive changes aimed at improving the profitability and sustainability of the commercial fishing industry in Queensland.
Mulherin also added that he would hope that the implementation of these proposed changes added to the action plan being developed by the Department, which would provide a significant boost to the fishing industry. He explained that the authority is determined not only to ensure the long-term future of our fisheries but also a sustainable fishing industry. The RIS includes proposed changes to management arrangements for the East Coast Trawl, Finfish (Stout Whiting) Trawl, East Coast Tropical Rock Lobster, Crab and Freshwater fisheries.
There are a number of the proposed changes have been suggested through stakeholder, industry or public forums. The minister informed that there are some proposals have been recommended to improve sustainability, while others are commitments that the Queensland Government has made with the Australia Government.
According to Mulherin the authority is well aware of the difficulties facing the fishing industry at this time with factors such as record high fuel costs, competition from imported seafood, a strong Australian dollar and labour shortages all negatively impacting on the industry. He further said that he is looking forward to continuing cooperative relationships with stakeholders throughout this consultation process to ensure we can work together to maintain viable fisheries for the future.
