News Release - Fishing forum heads inland

[QLD_Fisheries]

http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/news/newsreleases/12429.html

The information contained in this document is distributed by the Queensland Government for information purposes only. All reasonable steps have been made to ensure the information is accurate at the time of publication. For more information visit the DPI Fishweb site at http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/fishweb

[Lucky_Phill]

7 May, 2003

Recreational fishing forum heads inland for Year of Freshwater
Recreational fishers in south-west Queensland will have an opportunity to discuss a range of fisheries management issues at a Department of Primary Industries Recreational Fisheries Forum in Roma on Saturday May 31.

The Queensland Fisheries Service (QFS) forum allows members of the public who do not normally have the opportunity to discuss fisheries management issues, a chance to have their say.

QFS Recreational Fisheries Unit manager Terry Healy said QFS was interested in hearing the views of all members of the public not just specific interest groups.

“Groups such as fishing clubs, stocking groups and conservation organisations are routinely consulted as part of the decision-making processes,” Mr Healy said.

“However, as fisheries resources are a public resource, this forum provides other members of the community with the opportunity to come and talk to QFS about fisheries management decisions.”

Mr Healy said that it was especially important during the International Year of Freshwater to recognise the importance of freshwater fishing to inland communities and acknowledge the need to consult with them.

He said the aim was to ensure that everyone understood the issues surrounding fisheries resource management in Queensland and had an opportunity to express their view in relation to these issues.

“The more people who are informed about the issues and take part in the decision-making process, the better for the future of Queensland’s fisheries,” Mr Healy said.

The forum will be held at The Overlander Homestead Motel Conference Room in Roma, from 11am to 3pm on May 31, 2003. Contact Claire Andersen on (07) 3225 1396 to register.


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Further information: Terry Healy Ph: (07) 3405 6805
Media Officer: Liz Smith Ph: +61 7 3224 7757
Department of Primary Industries Media Unit
GPO Box 46 Brisbane Qld 4001. Fax +61 7 3239 0860
DPI Call Centre 8am-6pm weekdays on local call 13 25 23