The future management of freshwater fishing in Queensland is in good hands, with the appointment of a new Freshwater Fisheries Working Group.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said fishery working groups are a priority to improve engagement with the community on how to best manage fisheries resources.
“These groups provide important operational advice on the management of specific fisheries and are an important communication and consultative forum between fishing stakeholders, Fisheries Queensland and the government,” Mr Furner said.
“The new Freshwater Fisheries Working Group will be integral to delivering world-class, sustainable fisheries management in Queensland for future generations to enjoy.”
Mr Furner said the Government was committed to its Sustainable Fisheries reforms to protect fishing jobs and ensure there were sufficient fish stocks for our children and grandchildren.
“A selection panel considered nominations against a list of criteria to ensure the new working group has balanced representation across regions and stakeholder interests to provide a wide range of views,” Mr Furner said.
“18 members who represent stakeholders including freshwater fish stocking groups and their peak body, recreational fishers, charter operators, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, scientists and conservationists have been appointed.
“I would like to thank all the applicants who expressed an interest in being part of the new fishery working group which will provide advice over the next two years.”
Queensland’s freshwater fisheries support a wide range of recreational pursuits and regional economic development.
The Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme returns around $800,0000 dollars a year in direct funding to community-based fish stocking groups and contributes to regional economies across Queensland through recreation and tourism.
The first Freshwater Fisheries Working Group meeting is scheduled for late October 2021.
