2015 Election Candidates Responses on Recreational Fishing - STATE

[Scott Mitchell]

CAREFISH & Queensland Recreational Fishing Network

Recreational Fishing Industries StakeHolders - 27.01.2015

QLD Election 2015

As promised, we've collected responses from parties that responded to our election questionnaire. These were LNP, Labor, Greens and PUP, and their policy announcements are attached. Responses from sitting MP's were unfortunately almost non-existent, however if any would like to make relevant late announcements, we'd be happy to distribute them.

Please note, these attachments are copied verbatim, some are extracts from much larger announcements, and these extracts should be read in context.

CAREFISH does not seek to promote, endorse or otherwise any particular political party or ideology, nor are we beholden what-so-ever to any. However, we are happy to pat any candidate or party on the back for job well done (as we see it) when it comes to recreational fishing and marine health issues. The opposite also applies, and rightly so. We make no comment on issues outside of fishing and marine ecosystem health (clearly closely related subjects).

There is a LOT of work to be done on water quality, harvest, science,management and community engagement/stewardship, and those wheels turn slowly, as do the political wheels, (alas). As voters, we may not be able to solve the world's problems today, but it is vital that we keep those wheels turning, and in the right direction, and reward those that take the lead.

In a Nutshell

We've made a quick summary of recent party directions and positions below.

LNP

*2012 election. Put up the promise to buy out 50% of east coast gill net capacity with a $9m industry buy back with "A FOCUS ON HIGH VALUE RECREATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AREAS". This recently finalised with all money spent, resulting in 117 of the 397 issued gill net endorsements returned to the state (which is good) but leaving 81 to go by those numbers (note NT has 16 total as a comparison). No FOCUS ON HIGH VALUE RECREATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AREAS was attempted making those parts of the promise broken.

* As soon as elected LNP discarded two important plans that had been long in the making and had involved considerable community involvement and investment. They were 'The Qld Coastal Plan' and 'Stage Two of the East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery Review'

* Faced up to UNESCO with a 'Strategic Assessment' that was roundly condemned as inadequate, putting the World Heritage listing of the GBR in peril, still not resolved. It barely mentioned fishery related issues.

* Commissioned an independent 'Fisheries Management Review'. This is welcomed (and long overdue), however the findings and recommendations are secret, nothing has been announced (or even leaked) so we have no idea of its direction.

* Have gone into this election with policy announcement regarding Net Free Zones they call ROFA's "The LNP believes best management of our fisheries can be achieved in a portfolio that does not operate uniquely or separately". Sadly this tells us that LNP DO NOT support Net Free Areas close to community centres, going against community will and even against LNP's own coastal MP's.

* Have done nothing to resolve the allegedly rorted PPV/RUF levy (approx $5m pa) that all private boat owners pay via rego to reform the fishery especially commercial over allocation and to establish Net Free Zones.

* Did not answer CAREFISH election questionnaire. Does not appear to be listening very well to the electorate.

LABOR

* Pre 2012 election. Local MP Steve Wettenhall (Barron River) had worked with CAREFISH for well over a year to assist in the implementation of 'Trinity Bay Net Free Area' (False Cape to Nth Trinity Beach) but did not achieve it in the end resulting in a backlash at that poll.

* 2012 election. Put up the promise to allocate $12m to a gill net buy back.

* 2015 election. Announces a further gill net buyback "The health of the Great Barrier Reef also depends on the health of key species including native fish, dugongs and sea turtles. There is also growing evidence that these populations are being harmed by commercial netting practices. A Labor Government will reserve up to $10 million of our additional Great Barrier Reef funding commitment to fund the buy-back of net fishing licences in key areas".

* STOP PRESS/ Bombshell from Labor: CAREFISH has been in negotiations for some time regarding our Net Free campaign. Today Labor have responded and announced Cairns, Mackay and Keppel will finally get proposed net free areas! Please see the attachments/ letter from Tim Mulherin (Deputy Leader Labor). This is a major breakthrough!

GREENS

* Pre 2015 election. Have not worked well with any fishing groups. Had ideological agendas and caused many rifts in the community.

* 2015 Election. Issued statement supporting Gill Net Free Areas.Announced in its policy... The Queensland Greens support the requests for New Free Areas, and for making these areas off limits to gill net fishers.

* Also announced Create Local Marine Fishing Councils that would participate in research and education activities that would provide input into the creation of in-shore fishing legislation.

* Have taken a more sensible approach to fisheries matters aligning themselves to many of our philosophies. Good on them for that! Their recreational fishing policy looks close to what we'd write. Hopefully we can work toward common goals.

PUP

* 2015 election. Issued statement supporting Gill Net Free Areas "Our position is clear in that we will support the creation of recreational-only fishing areas near major population centres in Queensland. We believe recreational fishing contributes substantially to the tourism sector and we will work closely with recreational fisherman to ensure it has a healthy, prosperous and robust future".

KAP

* Pre 2012 election. Was first party to publically support Net Free Areas in Qld and provided catalyst for the recent Net Buy Back

* Still awaiting response to our questionnaire or a policy announcement. CAREFISH understands that KAP still supports Net Free Areas.

Independents

* No independents have responded from FNQ, however others from aroundthe state have supported Net Free Areas. None have rejected them as yet.

Finally, a quick summary to show parties that support GILL NET FREE AREAS

LABOR YES
PUP YES
GREENS YES
KAP YES
LNP NO

Please distribute this information throughout your networks. Media, feel free to reproduce any/all of this document. Candidates, you can contact me as you wish, as below.

This is a forum and all views are welcome.

Best regards
Paul Aubin
CAREFISH

Bog Out / Cairns Bed n Boat / Rent a Reef Boat

www.qrfn.org (http://www.qrfn.org)

[Scott Mitchell]

The Fraser Coast Fishing Alliance has also asked ALL our local Candidates/Parties the following Questions and will post the responses to these 1st thing tomorrow morning.

Dear ..........

We are writing to you to confirm your position recreational fishing related issues effecting the Fraser Coast.

Visitor Expenditure generated through Recreational Fishing in the Fraser Coast equates to approximately $39 million per annum figure. It is important to note that this figure is based on visitors only, and it does not take into account the value generated by recreational fishing by keen fisherman who reside within the Fraser Coast - this figure would be significant.

The figure of $39 million is compiled by the International Visitor Survey (IVS) and the National Visitor Survey (NVS) which is collated by Tourism Research Australia. This data is then distributed to the State Tourism Organisations and then distributed to the regional tourism organisations.

Through the Fraser Coast Destination Tourism Plan, it is estimated that if the Fraser Coast is to increase its share of the Queensland recreational fishing market by 8% by the year 2020, the value of visitor expenditure generated purely through recreational fishing would equate to approximately $107 million per annum by the year 2020. Again this does not include local expenditure – purely visitors. Information C- Fraser Coast opportunities .

We need our decision makers to truly realise the value of recreational fishing both socially and economically and “correct” our Great Sandy Marine Park by fairly compensating the commercial fishers to be removed and make our GSMP a NET FREE AREA !

The follow is also a questionnaire that we would appreciate your response on at your earliest convenience please. All responses will be then shared with our full membership and contact lists.

Fraser Coast Fishing Alliance Inc & the Queensland Recreational Fishers Network

Weipa, Cooktown, Douglas Region, Cairns, Mackay, Keppel region, Fraser Coast, Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay
And The Fraser Coast Fishing Alliance Inc.

We note the calling of a snap election for January 31. As a Queensland wide association of regional recreational fisher groups reporting to a large e-network and membership, we request urgent information to assist voters to decide who they’ll vote for.

Queensland has a strong and undeniable history of over allocation in all of its commercial fisheries dating back decades. Depletion of fish stock has diminished community involvement in healthy fishing activities and almost annihilated tourism opportunities.

From a recreational fisher point of view, last election was marked with the bi-partisan recognition that the commercial net fishery was heavily over allocated resulting in diminished fishing profits and reduced fish stocks causing community unrest. Election promises were made after an agreement was reached and signed off on between SUNFISH, QSIA, WWF and AMPTO, this agreement requesting a 50% reduction of gill net permits.

LABOR offered $12m to reduce the gill net fishery via a buyback. LNP offered a $9m net buyback with a focus on high use recreational areas and areas of high conservation value, plus $1m for better monitoring/enforcement. Other minor party’s also made promises.

LNP honoured the commitment to spend $9m on a net buyback however less than 30% was removed from the fishery (around 117 out of 397) and no focus on high recreational use areas or high environmental importance areas (which was a key element of the original election promise) was attempted.

Q/ LNP

It is clear that the election commitment made previously has only been partially completed. Please comment on this and perhaps make direction as to where your party would head on this issue if elected.

Q/ LNP

consultants (MRAG) recently completed an extensive review of Qld’s Fisheries and that report has been handed to LNP. QRFN supports this review and it is of major interest to stakeholders and interested parties. We request that the report and recommendations be publicly released asap along with the LNP intention re implementation. Please comment.

Q/LNP/Candidates

Great Sandy Marine Park ( GSMP ) is THE ONLY marine park in Australia ( possibly the world) that allows commercial netting to continue in the YELLOW Conservation zones ! What is the LNP’s plan to “correct “ this anomaly ?

Q/ All parties/candidates

How will voting for you benefit recreational fishers if you were successful?

Q/ All parties/candidates

Communities all the way around the Qld coast have repeatedly requested waters close to their community centre be made off limits to gill net fishers. The practice of allowing industrial size gill nets in the middle of towns working right through the barramundi closed season has decimated fish stocks and affected recreational experience and tourism opportunities. There are 11 small areas identified and documented state wide requesting Net Free Areas (NFA’s). Other states and the Northern Territory have long recognised the importance of maintaining healthy fish stocks, Queensland has not. What is your position on this?

QRFN & FCFA will be compiling answers and posting them widely in the last week of January, so a timely response will be appreciated.

Regards
Scott Mitchell
PO Box 1882
Hervey Bay Qld 4655

M 0428 484 499

Chairman FCFA

http://www.frasercoastfishingalliance.com.au
https://www.facebook.com/FraserCoastFishingAlliance

Board member

https://www.keepaustraliafishing.com.au

Committee member

http://www.qrfn.org

Fraser Coast Fishing Alliance - Home

www.frasercoastfishingalliance.com.au (http://www.frasercoastfishingalliance.com.au)

[bluefin59]

http://annastacia.com.au/Policies/Sustainable%20Fishing.pdfq

labor fishing policy ..Matt

[Mark Robinson MP]

For Labor Fishing policy just ask Greens - they decide how much more lock out areas for rec fishers - but they will tell you after the election

[bluefin59]

Bahhahahah have a look who has finally turned up WHERE is YOUR policy , pffffft and the joke goes on . Be careful Mark because after Cando loses his seat you'll be giving yours up , what a joke .. Matt107398

[Mark Robinson MP]

It is incorrect to say that the LNP is against ROFAS or NFAs. We are considering it in the light of the recent review. The minister has NOT said NO.
And I have publicly given my support to the Rec Fishing Haven for Moreton Bay in the waters of my electorate - Cleveland. The impact on any commercial fishers must be properly considered and mitigated though - that is the only caveat for me. I cannot speak for other electorates. And we now need to see what happens in the election. But a vote for the ALP or minor parties will bring more lockouts and less rec fishing rights because the Green masters have probably already got it through the Green preference deals. Only the LNP will keep delivering for rec fishers

[bluefin59]

It is incorrect to say that the LNP is against ROFAS or NFAs. We are considering it in the light of the recent review. The minister has NOT said NO.
And I have publicly given my support to the Rec Fishing Haven for Moreton Bay in the waters of my electorate - Cleveland. The impact on any commercial fishers must be properly considered and mitigated though - that is the only caveat for me. I cannot speak for other electorates. And we now need to see what happens in the election. But a vote for the ALP or minor parties will bring more lockouts and less rec fishing rights because the Green masters have probably already got it through the Green preference deals. Only the LNP will keep delivering for rec fishers

RUBBISH...Matt.

I'm sure Mike will be right along to discuss this with you but in the mean time read the labor policy above and read Scotto s response he received . Matt107399

[JulianDeMarchi]

It is incorrect to say that the LNP is against ROFAS or NFAs. We are considering it in the light of the recent review. The minister has NOT said NO.
And I have publicly given my support to the Rec Fishing Haven for Moreton Bay in the waters of my electorate - Cleveland. The impact on any commercial fishers must be properly considered and mitigated though - that is the only caveat for me. I cannot speak for other electorates. And we now need to see what happens in the election. But a vote for the ALP or minor parties will bring more lockouts and less rec fishing rights because the Green masters have probably already got it through the Green preference deals. Only the LNP will keep delivering for rec fishers

http://www.ausfish.com.au/vforum/showthread.php/197726-Qld-Fishing-quot-reviews-quot-by-Govt-march-2014?p=1540638#post1540638

Haven't seen you for awhile... Is there an election or something coming up?

[Mike Delisser]

A little birdy in the LNP told me you were instructed to stay away for fishing forums this election Mark.
I say good on you for defying your party and showing up here again.

[Moonlighter]

Mark, you and I have often spoken about rec fishing and I know you're well aware of the proposal to establish a world class recreational fishing haven in Moreon Bay, and are supportive of it. The proposal recognises the potential for having to deal with the pro effort in the proposed area. I also know that as my local member, you are supportive.

But let's not beat about the bush. As my local member you can't deliver SQUAT on this unless the LNP makes a public policy commitment to it prior to the election. we beat the bush about the Marine Park changes and despite your support, got nothing.

So in similarly straight terms, please tell us what is the official LNP party position on the Keepfishingaustralia proposal for the Moreton Bay recreational fishing haven?

Yes or no? Supported or not? If supported, bywhen will it be done, because we are sick of promises to "investigate" this or that, and nothing apart from a report is delivered. Waste of time.

So, please post a link to the party's policy document where it's recreational fishing policies are outlined so we can vote in a more informed way on Saturday.

[bluefin59]

Mark, you and I have often spoken about rec fishing and I know you're well aware of the proposal to establish a world class recreational fishing haven in Moreon Bay, and are supportive of it. The proposal recognises the potential for having to deal with the pro effort in the proposed area. I also know that as my local member, you are supportive.

But let's not beat about the bush. As my local member you can't deliver SQUAT on this unless the LNP makes a public policy commitment to it prior to the election. we beat the bush about the Marine Park changes and despite your support, got nothing.

So in similarly straight terms, please tell us what is the official LNP party position on the Keepfishingaustralia proposal for the Moreton Bay recreational fishing haven?

Yes or no? Supported or not? If supported, bywhen will it be done, because we are sick of promises to "investigate" this or that, and nothing apart from a report is delivered. Waste of time.

So, please post a link to the party's policy document where it's recreational fishing policies are outlined so we can vote in a more informed way on Saturday.

Yeah let's see it ,you would think that is the first thing he would put up here before bagging everything else around . Don't hold your breath waiting ... Matt107400

[Moonlighter]

Well, it seems that the LNP aren't very interested in the recreational fishing vote, or presume we will give it to them in the basis that they are the lesser of the available evils. Pretty pathetic attitude, IMO.

Mark responded to an email I sent him in similar terms to the above post, and said:

Hi Grant.
Thank you for your email.
The minister has responded. He has said that he is considering it as part of the current fisheries review and that he has not ruled it out nor agreed to it. I am arguing the yes case and will hope to have much support in the next Parliament upon our re-election.
Regards
Mark

I have told him to inform the Minister, on behalf of us recreational anglers, that that response is not good enough, and we want an answer before the election one way or the other, and in the absence of a reply, will have to assume that their response is NEGATIVE.

I await his further reply.

[Scott Mitchell]

It is incorrect to say that the LNP is against ROFAS or NFAs. We are considering it in the light of the recent review. The minister has NOT said NO.
And I have publicly given my support to the Rec Fishing Haven for Moreton Bay in the waters of my electorate - Cleveland. The impact on any commercial fishers must be properly considered and mitigated though - that is the only caveat for me. I cannot speak for other electorates. And we now need to see what happens in the election. But a vote for the ALP or minor parties will bring more lockouts and less rec fishing rights because the Green masters have probably already got it through the Green preference deals. Only the LNP will keep delivering for rec fishers

Mark

Quote " The LNP believes best management of our fisheries can be achieved in a portfolio that does not operate uniquely or separately and our current arrangement where our fisheries are managed equitably while recognising the interest and needs of all, is the best approach."

Straight from your media release .... And we could get either of our local LNP sitting members to even engage with us - very disappointing !

Thanks Scott

[Horse]

I am hoping that the LNP will be a little less arrogant once Noddy loses his seat and they regain power with a considerably smaller majority. It might be time for them to take the initiative and do some good like Tom Burns did in the 90's

[Bobpen]

It is incorrect to say that the LNP is against ROFAS or NFAs. We are considering it in the light of the recent review. The minister has NOT said NO.
And I have publicly given my support to the Rec Fishing Haven for Moreton Bay in the waters of my electorate - Cleveland. The impact on any commercial fishers must be properly considered and mitigated though - that is the only caveat for me. I cannot speak for other electorates. And we now need to see what happens in the election. But a vote for the ALP or minor parties will bring more lockouts and less rec fishing rights because the Green masters have probably already got it through the Green preference deals. Only the LNP will keep delivering for rec fishers



With your qualification in Marine Science it is hard to see how you could back a 400 berth marina at Toondah Harbour in a "Recreational Fishing Haven".

Party Politics must be a difficult thing.

[kc]

Hard to know which side of politics are our ideological bedfellows?In theory it should be Labor given the “working class roots” of fishing/camping/hunting but they have been too beholden to the far left/green vote for years. The LNP brought us RAP and the Labor government(s) brought us the Great Sandy Straights and Morten Bay zoning, Grey Nurse Shark exclusions and other stupid rules like the (thankfully now gone) pectoral fin clipping,fillet at sea lunacy and reef fin fish closures. At a federal level it seems like we get more support from the Nationals and less from Labor (in part because theyare even more beholden to the greens federally) and at a state level Labor are starting to listen. I guess it will come down to the importance of our sport,as opposed to life’s other issues as to how we vote. I know it is a lot easier for business, AKA employers, under the LNP but I guess if we don’t have jobs,there will be much more time to go fishing. Vote carefully, not just for ourselves and our sport, but the long term and consider good local independent candidates as well, not just the party machines. Another issue IMO is the stupidity of the whole “just vote 1” message the majors put out. Bullsh!t. Make your vote count by numbering every box in order of YOUR preference so if your chosen candidate does not get up, at least your vote does not die with them. Number every box!!
kc

[bluefin59]

Hard to know which side of politics are our ideological bedfellows?In theory it should be Labor given the “working class roots” of fishing/camping/hunting but they have been too beholden to the far left/green vote for years. The LNP brought us RAP and the Labor government(s) brought us the Great Sandy Straights and Morten Bay zoning, Grey Nurse Shark exclusions and other stupid rules like the (thankfully now gone) pectoral fin clipping,fillet at sea lunacy and reef fin fish closures. At a federal level it seems like we get more support from the Nationals and less from Labor (in part because theyare even more beholden to the greens federally) and at a state level Labor are starting to listen. I guess it will come down to the importance of our sport,as opposed to life’s other issues as to how we vote. I know it is a lot easier for business, AKA employers, under the LNP but I guess if we don’t have jobs,there will be much more time to go fishing. Vote carefully, not just for ourselves and our sport, but the long term and consider good local independent candidates as well, not just the party machines. Another issue IMO is the stupidity of the whole “just vote 1” message the majors put out. Bullsh!t. Make your vote count by numbering every box in order of YOUR preference so if your chosen candidate does not get up, at least your vote does not die with them. Number every box!!
kc

Couldn't agree more . Matt 107411

[rayken1938]

LABOR PROTECTS GOLD COAST’S NATURAL ASSETS (http://annastacia.com.au/labor-protects-gold-coasts-natural-assets/) Posted on 25/01/2015 (http://annastacia.com.au/labor-protects-gold-coasts-natural-assets/) by Annastacia Palaszczuk (http://annastacia.com.au/author/apalaszczuk/)
Opposition Leader Annastacia Palaszczuk says only a Labor Government can guarantee the future of Wavebreak Island.
“Labor is on the record with its stand against the development of Wavebreak Island unlike the LNP that has shown it is incapable of striking any sensible balance between development and protecting our natural assets,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“Labor’s position is well known. We have taken a stand against proposals that would destroy Wavebreak Island and The Spit.
“We announced last year our policy for supporting the establishment of a World Surfing Reserve covering southern Gold Coast beaches between the NSW border and Burleigh.
“From north to south, Labor’s commitment to the future of the Gold Coast’s unique assets is on the record.”
Speaking on the Gold Coast at a rally against development of Wavebreak Island, Ms Palaszczuk said the LNP continued to refuse to listen the people of the Gold Coast.
“Campbell Newman and every LNP MP on the Gold Coast simply take locals for granted,” she said.
“This is a beautiful part of the world and Labor has pledged to protect it instead of allowing it to be exploited.
“I challenge the LNP to match this pledge instead of hiding from the people of the Gold Coast and refusing to listen to what they have to say.”
Ms Palaszczuk said developing Wavebreak Island would severely impact the wonderful lifestyle benefits the area offered.
“There’s less than a week to go until the election and the local LNP MPs seem happy to allow development at Wavebreak Island,” she said.
“The debate has moved away from a cruise ship terminal to a very real debate about high-rise hotels, a casino and apartments on a unique local landmark.
“Labor will work with local community groups and join them in saving this region from LNP-backed development.”
Ms Palaszczuk said creation of a World Surfing Reserve between the NSW border and Burleigh would help protect and expand the region’s $1.4 billion industry supporting 20,000 jobs.
“By protecting this local asset we are protecting the economy and protecting jobs,” she said.



Cheers
Ray

[bluefin59]

Come back Mark we want to hear what you have to say, the silence is deafening he must be emptying his desk to give to Cando ... Matt107435

[Tangles]

Matt, 2018 Mark will pop up again i reckon in time for the next next election , and we as ferrets bother to respond to his one post.

Mark didnt get the gong for the fisheries gig a couple of years ago, suspect heart is in the right place but no balls and no say in the govt so he is reduced to rolling out the usual day before election message in this forum to vote for LNP… does not go to his credit as to how he respects the fishing vote/person, saw it last time and this time, sort of says it all regarding his views and expectations and treatment of the public to get a vote…but same form as last time, its amusing in its groundhog day…

So what mind set exists that a day before message from him on a public forum to get votes is going to get taken seriously? or engaged with...

[kc]

Who is up for predictions? LNP to win comfortably, losing about 15 to 18 seats. Newman will win Ashgrove by a narrow margin and all the experts will be scratching their heads about how the polls can be so wrong. In the cold hard light of day, when the number goes in the box, I think most of us prefer strength and direction, even if we don't all agree with it, we collectively tend to respect it. Anyhow. That's my pick...and I voted Independent 1 (but numbered every box with the added enjoyment of putting Greens last)

[Mike Delisser]

I recon LNP win,
LNP to win 47 to 50 seats
ALP to win 33 to 36 seats
Katter to win 2
Independents to win 2

And Campbell to loose and Tim Nicholls to be the next Premier.
Fri morning Campbell's odds fell right away and 4BC reported the LNP heavy weights were meeting around 10am to discuss plan B ...... I recon he's gone.

[bluefin59]

I recon LNP win,
LNP to win 47 to 50 seats
ALP to win 33 to 36 seats
Katter to win 2
Independents to win 2

And Campbell to loose and Tim Nicholls to be the next Premier.
Fri morning Campbell's odds fell right away and 4BC reported the LNP heavy weights were meeting around 10am to discuss plan B ...... I recon he's gone.


Well who would have thought certainly not me in reality ,I chucked a $100 for Kate and Labor to win at $ $7.50 on Phills advice that I read on here but didn't really think it was a sure thing but even the union blokes who came on site didn't think a win was possible but let's wait for the final tally and then celebrate later . More importantly is they put in action the policies that they have stated and they don't mismanage the treasury and try and claw things back to making QLD the best state to live in again . Looks like MP Mark is keeping his seat so maybe he can come back again and show some spine and give us areason to want to engage in a positive way with us ,let's hope so oh and after all is said and done CONGRATULATIONS Mark for being able to hold your seat I hope your time is a positive experience for you and more importantly some of the members on here that back you .Matt

[Mike Delisser]

I put 20 on Labor, I didn't think they get there but 9 to 1 is too juicy to knock back in a Qld election. I really hope Phill was having us on when he said he was putting a grand on an LNP win.
And I'd expect our own MP Mark to end up with the shadow Fishsries portfolio and suddenly be back to using Ausfish and it members to promote himself and his party again.

[JulianDeMarchi]

I put 20 on Labor, I didn't think they get there but 9 to 1 is too juicy to knock back in a Qld election. I really hope Phill was having us on when he said he was putting a grand on an LNP win.
And I'd expect our own MP Mark to end up with the shadow Fishsries portfolio and suddenly be back to using Ausfish and it members to promote himself and his party again.

If he does, we can remind him of the quiet periods he has on here. On the other hand least he is on here talking, where is the ALP MP ?

[Steeler]

I put 20 on Labor, I didn't think they get there but 9 to 1 is too juicy to knock back in a Qld election. I really hope Phill was having us on when he said he was putting a grand on an LNP win.
And I'd expect our own MP Mark to end up with the shadow Fishsries portfolio and suddenly be back to using Ausfish and it members to promote himself and his party again.

Good onya Mike, Just what we needed to hear , FMD.

[Mike Delisser]

If he does, we can remind him of the quiet periods he has on here. On the other hand least he is on here talking, where is the ALP MP ?

For the most part he was just talking himself and his party up Julian. But you are right and make a good point.

[Camhawk88]

Quite a high possibility now that Labor will need the 2 KAP members to make government- probably the best possible outcome for fishos as far as I can see.

[JulianDeMarchi]

Quite a high possibility now that Labor will need the 2 KAP members to make government- probably the best possible outcome for fishos as far as I can see.

Maybe... I hope they don't. The KAP party have stated that some of their demands will include the push for 10% ethanol in all fuels. This is very bad news for boaters as our outbaords aren't designed to run with ethanol fuel and if you have a problem it will void your warranty. The way I read the article below indicates that they want it in ALL fuel, 91 - 98 which means we'll have no choice in the matter.

http://www.qt.com.au/news/proposal-mandate-ethanol-flows-all-bowsers/2219560/

I know the article is from last year, but they still have this policy. If I am mistaken and they will allow non-ethanol fuel to still be sold, I retract my comments, but the way I read it is, it will affect all fuel.

Here it is in the couriermail. http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland-state-election-2015/major-parties-may-go-kap-in-hand/story-fnr8vuu5-1227204381732?nk=623b5609283d5da374125c6824533284

[aussiebasser]

Yes, the Mad Hatter Katter Party want a mandate 10% Ethanol in all petrol, to boost the Primary Producers. Bad news for all boaters.

[Camhawk88]

Yes they want to but it cant and wont happen. They may hold a balance of power but not government. From a freedom of access to natural resources (fish, state forests etc.) KAP are pretty good.