Anglers ‘champing for fight’ on net-free law
ANGST is growing among recreational anglers over the future of Cairns’ net-free fishing zone as a state election looms.
Far North recreational fishing lobby group CAREFISH has called on the LNP to promise “hand on heart” that it will not revoke or alter the net-free zones should the Tim Nichollsled Coalition take power.
A last-ditch disallowance motion, put forward by Opposition MP Deb Frecklington, was rejected in parliament prior to net-free fishing zones taking effect in Cairns, Mackay and Rockhampton in November 2015.
While an LNP spokesman told the Cairns Post there were no plans to scrap the net-free zones, he said the Coalition “does not support the implementation of net-free zones without appropriate consultation with stakeholders”.
“Labor announced three net-free zones without any consultation,” he said.
“The LNP will work with all fishing sectors to ensure fair and equitable access to Queensland’s fish and seafood resources for all.”
For almost 18 months a netfree fishing zone, introduced by the Labor Government, has kept commercial netters out of Trinity Inlet in an effort to bolster recreational fishing.
CAREFISH director Paul Aubin wanted an “absolute promise” from the LNP that it would keep the net-free zones intact should it be elected.
“We’re hot under the collar about it,” he said.
“We want a promise and commitment from the LNP. The Queensland Seafood Industry Association is making noise and wants the net-free zones overturned.
“Recreational fishermen are champing for a fight on this.”
Mr Aubin said there was enough anecdotal evidence to show that the net-free zone had improved recreational fishing off Cairns.
“Cairns had almost zero barramundi fishing credentials, which started to change as soon as they took the nets out,” he said.
But a host of local commercial fishermen have been reeling since they were forced out of Trinity Inlet in 2015, despite the government running a licence buyback scheme to assist netters.
The Cairns Post reported last year that several commercial fishing business owners were locked in a court battle with the State Government as they sought compensation for lost income. The next state election is due to be held on or before May 5 next year.
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