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12-09-2005, 04:05 PM
Premier & Treasurer, Peter Beattie
11/09/05
Patrol Boost For Southern Moreton Bay
REDLANDS. The Queensland Government has moved to boost patrols of fishing and boating activities in the southern Moreton Bay, Premier Peter Beattie, announced today at the Redlands Community Cabinet meeting.
Mr Beattie said a new Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol office would open at Redlands this month.
He said the three-person QBFP office would be located at the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries' (DPI&F) Redlands Research Station with access to two vessels.
"The southern Moreton Bay is a popular boating and fishing area, and this is becoming more so with the recent growth in population," Mr Beattie said.
"The QBFP has staff based at Pinkenba on Brisbane's northside and at the Gold Coast, but a need to locate staff in the southern Moreton Bay area has been identified."
Mr Beattie paid tribute to Member for Redlands John English for his representations on behalf of boaties and fishers regarding QBFP's local presence and enforcement.
"John has certainly brought back to Government local concerns about alleged fishing offences, particularly crab pot theft," he said.
"A major crackdown on crab pot theft last year led to the apprehension of 148 crab pots over three days.
"The Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol will now have an even greater capacity to respond.
"The majority of commercial and recreational fishers do the right thing. Of the 31,500 inspections made by the QBFP last financial year, more than 94% complied with fishing laws.
"However, there was always small minority that do not obey the rules. They put risk our fish stocks and cheat genuine recreational fishers and law-abiding commercial operators."
Mr Beattie said the stronger QBFP presence would also boost education of fishing and boating regulations within the local community.
11 September 2005
Media Contact: (07) 3224 4500
11/09/05
Patrol Boost For Southern Moreton Bay
REDLANDS. The Queensland Government has moved to boost patrols of fishing and boating activities in the southern Moreton Bay, Premier Peter Beattie, announced today at the Redlands Community Cabinet meeting.
Mr Beattie said a new Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol office would open at Redlands this month.
He said the three-person QBFP office would be located at the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries' (DPI&F) Redlands Research Station with access to two vessels.
"The southern Moreton Bay is a popular boating and fishing area, and this is becoming more so with the recent growth in population," Mr Beattie said.
"The QBFP has staff based at Pinkenba on Brisbane's northside and at the Gold Coast, but a need to locate staff in the southern Moreton Bay area has been identified."
Mr Beattie paid tribute to Member for Redlands John English for his representations on behalf of boaties and fishers regarding QBFP's local presence and enforcement.
"John has certainly brought back to Government local concerns about alleged fishing offences, particularly crab pot theft," he said.
"A major crackdown on crab pot theft last year led to the apprehension of 148 crab pots over three days.
"The Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol will now have an even greater capacity to respond.
"The majority of commercial and recreational fishers do the right thing. Of the 31,500 inspections made by the QBFP last financial year, more than 94% complied with fishing laws.
"However, there was always small minority that do not obey the rules. They put risk our fish stocks and cheat genuine recreational fishers and law-abiding commercial operators."
Mr Beattie said the stronger QBFP presence would also boost education of fishing and boating regulations within the local community.
11 September 2005
Media Contact: (07) 3224 4500