Fraser/Cooloola Coasts fishing closure

Eligibility - Queensland residents
Principal Petitioner:
Peter Todd
C/- Tin Can Bay Chamber of Commerce & Tourism
PO Box 111
Total Signatures - 669
Sponsoring Member: David Gibson MP
Posting Date: 23/6/2010
Closing Date: 18/8/2010
Tabled Date: 19/8/2010
Responded By: Hon Tim Mulherin MP on 30/9/2010
TO: The Honourable the Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland

Queensland residents draws to the attention of the House that closure of fishing areas as threatened in the Fraser Area for Further Assessment announced by Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett will impact upon fishing communities and all forms of current fishing activities if the proposed closure of our fishing grounds are permitted.

 

We believe that this Federal Labor Government’s proposal will result in local Queenslanders losing their jobs, with fewer opportunities for families to enjoy recreational fishing activities, and the viability of our commercial fishing communities will be put at risk.

 

These proposed restricted fishing zones do not recognise that there is already a high level of environmental protection within the Great Sandy Strait Marine Park and under the Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries management of the State’s sustainable fisheries.

 

And that the local communities which rely upon tourism, commercial, recreational and charter fishing, and the multitude of local businesses that benefit and support a strong and vibrant economy, will all be impacted significantly if there are widespread fishing closures.

 

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to make strong representations to the Federal Government and to the Federal Environment Minister to make no further closure of fishing areas until (1) the affected communities concerns are addressed; and (2) that an economic and scientific assessment of the impacts of any closures has been undertaken and publicly released for comment.