FISH PLAN TO HOOK TOURISTS
CRC launches strategy to lure visiting anglers
A CAMPAIGN to promote net-free zones to tourists hankering for barramundi flesh is about to be ramped up.
Fish stocks have grown considerably since the State Government banned commercial netting in Cairns in 2015.
Little has been done to sell that resurgence to outsiders until now.
Cairns Regional Council has unveiled a four-year recreational fishing strategy listing with boat ramp upgrades, priority environmental projects and a plan to promote events like fishing tournaments.
The 28-page document, created in concert with Tourism Tropical North Queensland and local fishing groups, also outlines a plan to lure more tourism dollars from the booming sector.
TTNQ will take a lead role in developing a regional brand or identity to promote across Australia and the world, coupled with a digital marketing campaign and securing a “fishing champion” to help with the transaction.
Cairns and FNQ Fishing Group administrator Dan Hammersley said politicians were more inclined to invest in tourism than the average boatie’s Sunday lure-flick.
“The way we look at it, there’s more chance of getting money put towards tourism and then we all get more infrastructure,” he said.
The strategy touches on proposals to add a lane and floating walkway to the boat ramp at Deeral, a new deepdraught accessible pontoon in the Cairns CBD and expanding the existing Tingira St facility in Portsmith to incorporate a new four-lane ramp.
“Not many people realise this area is a net-free zone,” Mr Hammersley said.
“If we can target tourists to stop here for an extra day or two and have a fish, that’s extra money for everyone.
“It’s been a long time in Cairns since the council stepped out to look after fishermen, so it’s good to have them come on board.”
Division 3 Cr Cathy Zeiger said the strategy would help secure more funding.
“I’ve got my eyes out for a grant to assist us to build the proposed White Rock fishing platform, which will greatly benefit our youth and community,” she said.