A bitter dispute has broken out between Queensland’s commercial and recreational fishers over the Government’s plan to introduce net-free zones.
From November 1, commercial net fishers will no longer be able to operate in three areas, including one off the Cairns coastline, one in waters north of Mackay, and the largest zone between Keppel Bay and the Fitzroy River in central Queensland.
Rockhampton fisherman Keith Harris, who has supplied fresh local seafood for 22 years, said the introduction of the zones would be disastrous.
“It could put in this area 60 to 70 people put of work – that doesn’t include associated industries like wholesalers or ice sales or rope supplies,” he said.
“In a couple of months’ time we may be out of work, or a large percentage of our work will be taken away from us, so I don’t think I could survive with a 30 per cent loss of income – I don’t think anybody could.”
He said the Government had failed to consult properly with key stakeholders.
“It was really gut-wrenching – it really sat us on our backsides, it just came out of the blue,” he said.
“It’s nothing you could be prepared for even if you did know it was coming, but it really put a stressful time upon us.
“There’s not a day that goes by where we don’t think about what our future holds.
“They say we can move to other areas – well I find that impossible – there’s nowhere for us to go.
“There’s already other commercial operators in those areas and we don’t wish to encroach on their ground – they’re probably scratching a living as it is so they don’t need any more competition, so if this does happen we really don’t know what we’re going to do.”
’92 per cent supported the introduction of zones’
A spokesman for Queensland Fisheries Minister Bill Byrne said earlier this week there was huge support for the policy.
“Interested parties had two months to make submissions to an online survey,” the spokesman said.
“More than 6,000 responded and 92 per cent supported the introduction of the zones.
“That consultation invited comment on the boundaries for the zones and the feedback is being considered before the boundaries are declared.”
The spokesman said the policy was designed to stimulate the economies of coastal towns.
“The zones are in areas of outstanding natural beauty and close to existing tourism infrastructure – hotels, caravan parks, tackle shops, boat yards, restaurants, bars and cafes,” the spokesman said.
Mr Byrne also said on Friday there had been broad consultation over the new regulations.
“We’ve made a conscious decision to gain the greatest economic benefit in fisheries that are set up and suitable for much greater recreational and tourism activity,” he said.
“The Labor Party developed the sustainable fishing policy when in Opposition after extensive consultation with many, many, many stakeholders.”