QUEENSLANDERS interested in the future management of the state’s fisheries are encouraged to attend local public consultation meetings commencing this month.
Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister John McVeigh today announced dates for the public consultation meetings on the fisheries review in major ports and locations throughout the state.
“I’m pleased to announce the dates for the meetings which will be hosted by MRAG Asia Pacific, the independent consultants leading the review,” Mr McVeigh said.
“It’s important all fishing sectors, as well as community groups with an interest in fishing, provide input into the review, because this is the first time, in a very long time, the public has been invited to have a say on the future of fisheries management in Queensland.
“We want to create a more modern and simplified fisheries management system and therefore encourage input from all sectors.”
Mr McVeigh said the LNP government’s focus was on resolving long-standing issues with fisheries management.
“For two decades the Labor government used band-aid approaches. The LNP is taking action to redress the problems, simplify management and ensure the sustainability of our fisheries.
MRAG Asia Pacific is also accepting written submissions via email at qldfisheriesreview@mragap.com.au. Written submissions close 5pm, Thursday, October 30.
MRAG will examine all feedback received during the consultation period and will develop a series of recommendations to guide fisheries management in Queensland.
Public consultation meeting dates and locations are:
Gold Coast – Wednesday 20 August 5-7pm
Nerang Bicentennial Community Centre (Main Hall), 833 Nerang Southport Rd, Nerang
Mooloolaba – Thursday 21 August 5-7pm
Lake Kawana Community Centre (Room 5-7), 114 Sportsmans Pde, Bokarina
Wynnum – Saturday 23 August 9-11am
Wynnum Hall, Cnr Bay Tce & Cedar St, Wynnum
Redcliffe – Saturday 23 August 2-4pm
Redcliffe QCWA Hall, 189 Redcliffe Pde, Redcliffe
Rockhampton – Tuesday 26 August 5-7pm
DAFF Conference Centre, Cnr Yeppon Rd & Bruce Hwy, Parkhurst, North Rockhampton
Gladstone – Wednesday 27 August 5-7pm
Gladstone Entertainment and Convention Centre, Conf room “A”, 58 Goondoon St, Gladstone
Bundaberg – Thursday 28 August 5-7pm
Bundaberg Civic Centre, Supper Room, 190 Bourbong St, Bundaberg
Hervey Bay – Friday 29 August 5-7pm
Hervey Bay High School Great Hall, Beach Rd, Pialba
Tin Can Bay – Saturday 30 August 10am-12pm
Tin Can Bay Community Complex, Tin Can Bay Rd
Cairns – Monday 8 September 5-7pm
Cairns State High School, “N” block Science Auditorium, Upward St, Cairns
Innisfail – Tuesday 9 September 5-7pm
Innisfail Concert Hall/Shire Hall, Rankin St, Innisfail
Townsville – Saturday 13 September 9-11am
Townsville Show Grounds, Large Functions room, 72 – 104 Ingham Rd, Townsville
Bowen – Sunday 14 September 10am-12pm
Bowen State High School, 1-9 Argyle Park Road, Bowen
Mackay – Monday 15 September 6-8pm
PCYC Hall, Mackay, Off Norris Rd, North Mackay
Karumba – Sunday 12 October 9-11am
Karumba Civic Centre, Karumba
Burketown – To be organised
Thursday Island – To be organised
For more information on the Fisheries Management Review, visit www.fisheries.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23.