Upcoming QUEENSLAND STATE ELECTIONS and it’s possible impact on RECREATIONAL FISHING

I know there is quite a bit of reading here – and most of us don’t like reading about politics, but if you are a recreational angler in Queensland I strongly suggest you do take the time to read this.

Recreational fishing in Queensland in the future will depend on this. In my opinion, Queensland should have one of the best fisheries in Australia, but due to poor management this is simply not the case.

Fisheries policies in Queensland need to be revised. The main problems that need to be addressed are:

• The sustainability of commercial netting in our inshore fisheries.

• The validity of Green Zones: Instead of banning fishing, manage it!

These issues are something the current Labour Government has failed to address, and I can’t see anything changing if they are re-elected. I travel extensively throughout Australia and abroad shooting stories for The Fishing DVD, we see firsthand how things are managed elsewhere.

I believe Qld probably has the most poorly managed fishery in the country, but this can be changed IF we elect a party that is willing to listen and work with us to improve things for recreational anglers and the sustainability of our fishery. IF we make our voice loud enough to be heard.

One of the few ways to get any politicians attention is with votes. If they know that a large percentage of the population fishes and will vote for a party that will work with us to address these issues, then we can get their attention and hopefully ensure changes in the future. We need therefore to look carefully at what the current parties have in their policies for fisheries management.

From what I can gather, current LABOUR policies have not changed, I would like to hear from them if they have any new recreational fishing policies in line for the future. LNP have yet to clarify their policies. I have been advised that they will have policies that recreational anglers will like, but so far no-one has seen them. As soon as I get written confirmation what their fishing policies are, I will post it on this website.

BOB KATTERS AUSTRALIA PARTY Is the only one so far to confirm their fishing policies, and here they are: Katter’s Australian Party will:

1. Declare Net Free or Recreational Only Fishing Areas around all large cities and towns on the coast and smaller communities if they want one.

2. Declare Tailor, Australian Salmon and all Trevally species to be Recreational Only Fish.

3. Develop Freshwater Fisheries to a higher standard to grow regional Tourism.

4. Allow Recreational Fishing with one line and one hook in selected green zones in Marine Parks where there is no threat to the biodiversity.

Sunfish are trying to get the following species included on this as well: Dart, (including snub nosed i.e permit) Bonefish. I also believe this should happen.

IT’S TIME TO STAND UP FOR YOUR RIGHTS & DO SOMETHING! MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT.

John Haernke