Member for Whitsunday, Amanda Camm MP, is calling on the Queensland Government to be open and honest with Queensland commercial and recreational fishers about its future plans for the fishing industry.
“For the last two years, this Labor Government has treated our Queensland fishers with contempt bringing in changes with little consultation or transparency around their decision-making process and with little concern as to the implications on the future of the fishing and seafood industry in Queensland”, Ms Camm stated.
Ms Camm said that Mackay and Whitsunday fishermen have declared that the temporary Government-issued NX licenses are inoperable and require urgent review.
“The LNP candidate for Mackay, Nigel Dalton and I have sat around the table with our local fishers, many of whom have already been impacted financially and are concerned about their future viability and the future viability of the industry,” she said.
“I’ve met with stakeholders, I’ve written to the Minister, I’ve asked questions in Parliament and still the Government refuses to consult and listen and be transparent with our community.”
Representatives from the tourism industry have also raised concerns about the implementation and inconsistency of the regulations.
Mr Dalton said, “The onboard vessel monitoring regulations mean that currently fishers are being filmed going to the bathroom in the boat, effectively in their workplace, in front of their colleagues, which has to be considered a huge breach of privacy.”
Ms Camm stated that the industry is struggling as a result of these changes with 90 per cent of fresh fish sold in our region now imported from interstate.
“There are not enough licensed providers in our region to catch fresh fish. Local businesses are expected to either absorb the interstate freight costs or pass them on to the consumer,” Ms Camm stated.
“In a cost-of-living crisis, these increased costs cannot be sustained.”
Ms Camm and Mr Dalton are calling on the Queensland Government to be honest about the further restrictions and regulations they are proposing to introduce on our commercial and recreational fishers.
“The Queensland Government needs to advise fishers and all seafood-loving Queenslanders if the fishing industry has a long-term future under a Labor Government.
“Regional Queenslanders and our fishing community deserve better.”
Member for Whitsunday, Amanda Camm, LNP Candidate for Mackay Nigel Dalton listening with local fishers David Caracciolo, Paul Vickers and Deb Ahern. Photo supplied
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