The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr Sets The Record Straight
Minister for Environment and Multiculturalism
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
26/08/2007
Minister: No ban on rec fishing from jetties, rock walls, marinas or popular fishing spots
Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr has given an assurance that recreational fishers will always have access to Moreton Bay's most popular fishing spots as a result of the Moreton Bay Marine Park zoning review.
"Today I am setting the record straight," Ms Nelson-Carr said.
"We want people to fish Moreton Bay forever. People will always be able to wet a line from jetties, rock walls, marinas and other popular spots including an overwhelming majority of beaches that fringe the Bay."
The Minister said she was increasingly concerned by the level of misinformation being spread about the review.
"By and large most people have approached this very important issue in a sensible and productive way," Ms Nelson-Carr said.
"Some of the best feedback from more than 4000 responses to our on-line surveys so far has come from recreational fishers who have asked that their favourite fishing spots be kept open.
"The top spots they identified included the Hutchison Shoals, Smth Rock, Brennan Shoals, Roberts Shoals, Point Lookout, 35 Fathom Reef, Tangalooma Wrecks, Jumpinpin and Crusoe Island.
"And these locations will always be open to recreational fishers.
"Our review of the Moreton Bay Marine Park is about making better opportunities for all bay users.
"Fishing on Moreton Bay is a great part of our lifestyle and we want to keep it that way forever."
Ms Nelson-Carr said Moreton Bay was a complex marine environment with dolphins, turtles, dugong, sharks, migrating whales and 750 species of fish.
"It also has an amazing variety of habitats including coral reefs, kelp forests and seagrass beds. These habitats and species, and the way they interact make Moreton Bay one of the richest marine ecosystems in Australia - an area famous for its biodiversity," Ms Nelson-Carr said.
"This is about having a healthy bay, a healthy marine environment and fair access.
"The review will ensure that Moreton Bay remains a place where the peope of southeast Queensland continue to have a healthy lifestyle to enjoy for ever.
"It's about mums and dads being able to take their children and grandchildren fishing on the bay the way their parents and grandparents did.
"We are listening to the views of all bay users - recreational and commercial fishing interests, conservationists and the tourism industry."
Ms Nelson-Carr said the independent scientific Expert Advisory Panel recommended that, in line with the internationally accepted scientific advice, a minimum10 percent of each of the 16 habitat types within the marine park should be protected.
"Exactly where those areas will be is yet to be decided but they will not be the beaches, jetties, piers and the areas where most people most love to fish," Ms Nelson-Carr said.
"We are consulting widely. So far we have held 10 information sessions and had displays at every boat and fishing show in the south east corner since February. There have been extensive mail outs nd meetings with stakeholders including businesses, bait and tackle shops, fishing clubs, seafood industry, tourism bodies, conservation groups, boating, diving and recreation groups and commercial fishers.
"We are also having input from the Moreton Bay Access Alliance who represent the peak fishing bodies. The Alliance is undertaking their own study and we eagerly await their submission.
"This consultation has been thorough and extensive and is ongoing. I strongly urge everyone to have their say and provide feedback on the Moreton Bay Marine Park Zoning Plan Review on the web at www.epa.qld.gov.au."
Media Contact: Karla Steen 3336 8004 or 0417 603 409
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