Professional netting in Burrum River system

Eligibility - Queensland residents
Principal Petitioner:
Kenneth Crouch
1538 Buxton Road
BUXTON QLD 4660
Total Signatures - 38
Sponsoring Member: Mr Stephen Bennett MP
Posting Date: 15/2/2018
Closing Date: 1/3/2018
Tabled Date: 6/3/2018
Responded By: Hon Mark Furner MP on 23/3/2018
TO: The Honourable the Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland

Queensland residents draws to the attention of the House the serious impact of professional netting on the Burrum, Gregory, Isis and Cherwell Rivers, the local river system is a fishery habitat and breeding grounds, including green zones in the upper reaches of each river.

Recreational fishing and fish stocks in this area have declined dramatically over the last few years, to the point where even the professional net fishermen complain that they are unable to get a reasonable catch because there are so many of them working the area.

The importance of the local tourism industry to the local economy cannot be overstated. There are many rental properties and small businesses relying on the tourist trade, especially recreational fishing. If there are no fish to catch, the tourists will stop coming back to the area.

Tourists visiting the area all spend money whilst here which helps to sustain local businesses and tourist attractions. The professional net fishers are seriously depleting fish stocks and when they move on, contribute very little into the local economy.

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to close the Burrum, Gregory, Isis and Cherwell River systems to professional gill netting to save our river systems and allow the fish stocks to recover.