Mess just muddies waters

YESTERDAY’S debacle surrounding new rules for recreational boating and fishing raised the ire of many people, as the state’s fishing groups and MPS announced a ban for fishing and crabbing.

But by the afternoon, it was cleared up that you could still put your boat in the water — but only if you were catching food or using it for essential travel.

We’re living in unprecedented times, but we’ve seen such inconsistent messaging from a State Government that doesn’t seem to be talking among itself – and this is a real concern.

Yesterday was a day of confusion for avid anglers that wasn’t cleared up by the relevant authorities until hours after the news was doing the rounds online.

What made things even worse was that the Department of Transport and Main Roads itself announced the ban on Facebook and then deleted the post.

Minister Mark Bailey then sought to clarify the restrictions for boaties – while also deleting then editing a tweet he had sent earlier, according to the The Courier Mail. Right now, the people of

Queensland need clarity about what they can and cannot do amid this pandemic.

The Government also needs to be smart about it and realise what works for a busy boat ramp in Moreton Bay in southeast Queensland won’t work at a place like Lucinda in Hinchinbrook.

The biggest takeaway from yesterday’s debacle is that the rules are constantly changing.

“As the nation works together to stop the spread of the virus, there is new advice daily,” Mr Bailey said.

“Boaties should be aware of the current restrictions on boat use, and be prepared for that advice to change again should tougher rules to limit public movements and interaction come in.”

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is doing to help prevent the spread of this life destroying virus and also his compassionate response to the economic fallout. He is a good man – Australia should be proud of him, not trying to denigrate him.

LYN CRANBROOK

The list of open takeaway and delivery restaurants is a great resource to stick up on the fridge. Anyone who can afford it should consider takeout once or twice a week to keep these local businesses afloat.

STEVE, BELGIAN GARDENS

With only 50% of the vote Mayor

Hill shouldn’t be patting herself on the back. It just means 50% of Townsville don’t want her. PHANTOM 4817

Why are people who received social service prior to COVID-19 entitled to further financial assistance when their financial and living situation would not have changed.

MACCA 4814

Countries such as India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Malay Peninsula and Sri Lanka don’t seem to appear on the COVID-19 charts. Because of their population density and living conditions one would expect a high representation. The only link I can see is that curry and a raft of other spices feature highly in their diet. BERT AITKENVALE

Today is day 14 of our self isolation after returning from Argentina on 17/3. We can assure readers that we’ve adhered to the rules regarding self isolation, have not left our property and are appalled that some of our fellow returnees did not follow the rules thus making mandatory isolation in hotels for future returnees. It is much more comfortable to SI in your own home I can assure everyone.

MAX OF KIRWAN

What a change! I used to spin the toot roll like Wheel of Fortune, now I turn it like I am trying to crack a safe! ALICIA TVL