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Freshwater Stocking Groups meet with Qld Fisheries
This is a letter sent out after the recent meeting between the Freshwater Fish Stocking Assoc of Qld and Fisheries Qld
To: All Stocking Groups
Outcomes From Fisheries Queensland Meeting.
On Thursday the 11th October 2012 FFSAQ met with Fisheries Queensland as a follow up to the email sent to stakeholders regarding budget savings in fisheries management. Fisheries Queensland was represented by Maria Mohr (Managing Director), Andrew Thwaites A/Executive Director, and Peter Kind (Freshwater Scientist). Robin Caddy and Les Kowitz attended on behalf of FFSAQ. The meeting was convened to allow a better understanding of the implications that budget savings would have on the freshwater sector, including the future of the stocking program.
FFSAQ was advised that a program of fish stocking in Queensland would continue, but would be scaled back significantly. In effect, the Recreational Fishing Enhancement Program (RFEP) no longer exists. Fish stocking permits will be maintained and renewed as required, but there will only be minor support and assistance from Fisheries Queensland as staff is no longer available. The positions of Fisheries Extension Officers no longer exist and most staff has now been dismissed. And of course, as previously advised, there will no longer be any government funding for fish fingerling purchases. It was confirmed that there will be no further freshwater workshops scheduled. The SIP Scheme remains intact.
Ceasing of the Fishcare Volunteer Program, the fishway and barrier team, the Suntag Tagging Program, and the Native Fish Strategy team were all confirmed.
There is no intention by the LNP Government to progress the Recreational Fishing Development Plan, as proposed by the previous Labor government.
The Economic and Social Value Survey conducted at 12 freshwater impoundments across Queensland and undertaken by Central Queensland University at Rockhampton was scheduled to be completed by June 1012. It is now expected by the 31st December 2012. It is considered that the results of this survey will indicate the significance of freshwater fishing, and this will assist in influence future government decisions.
The review of the Freshwater Management Plan, as required under the Fisheries Act, will be progressed, and a further meeting of the Working Group has been called in a few weeks’ time.
The future enhancement of Mary River cod as a stocked impoundment specie was discussed, and it has to be said that any progress in a meaningful way over and above what is existing, must be considered questionable. FFSAQ was informed that both hatcheries licenced to breed cod have failed to produce any fingerlings.
The Private Pleasure Vessel (PPV) levy, now known as the Recreational Use Fee (RUF) was raised by FFSAQ for clarification. This fee is a charge levied on boat registrations and is supposed to be expended by Fisheries Queensland on recreational fishing. It raises some $4.6M annually. Even though some of the past expenditure was questionable, it did fund programs such as the RFEP, the Suntag Program, Fishcare Volunteers and the likes. The LNP government has now re-allocated all these funds to consolidated revenue and recreational fishing now gets nothing.
To summarize, and where to from here. In general, Fisheries Queensland will maintain a bare bones fish stocking program with much less service and contribution as in the past. This means that stocking groups, particularly non-SIP groups, will have to be much more self-reliant in their operations. It is expected that this will be very difficult for some. As the SIP Scheme remains intact, these groups are much more secure.
Because of the deterioration of service by Fisheries Queensland, FFSAQ had approached the government for funding to undertake some of the void that has occurred. FFSAQ’s application was denied.
FFSAQ is confident that there is still a very promising future for freshwater fishing in Queensland, despite the current attitude of the LNP government. What is needed is an ongoing campaign to enlighten your local member of parliament of the benefits derived from recreational freshwater fishing, including the economic and social value to your local community. FFSAQ will continue to campaign on your behalf, but it must have your ongoing involvement. If FFSAQ and its stocking group members can maintain a strong and united voice, the benefits will come.
Freshwater fishing has a cultural and heritage value to many Queenslanders, let us maintain that value and tradition.
"The LNP have ruled out rec fishing licenses."
-- MP Dr Mark Robinson, December 12, 2011
"There will be no carbon tax under the government I lead." -- PM Ms Gillard, August 16, 2010
"The LNP's Mr Robinson said his party would release details of its fisheries plan as soon as Premier Anna Bligh announced the state election."
Red Land Times 28 Nov 2011