Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
31/07/2008
Plan to boost the Great Sandy seafood industry
The Hervey Bay region may soon play a vital role in raising Queensland's aquaculture potential through a draft marine aquaculture plan for the Great Sandy region announced today.
The Draft Great Sandy Regional Marine Aquaculture Plan is a joint initiative of the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries and the Department of Tourism, Regional Development and Industry to ensure any future aquaculture activities in the region are carefully planned.
Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin said the Draft Plan recommended the best sites for certain aquaculture methods ensuring any future activities comply with stringent controls for the area.
"The Draft Plan identifies a number of potential sites for rack, line and ranching methods of aquaculture, which are used for oysters, pearls, and scallops.
"All of the recommendations take into account the marine park principles and rules and come from extensive research and local consultation that considers the environment, our commercial and recreational fisheries and tourism industry," Mr Mulherin said.
"In addition to the Draft Plan, a new Draft Policy to guide future aquaculture applications for the State has also been developed.
"Both the Draft Plan and Draft policy provide recommendations that take into account all parties who are interested in our coastline."
Member for Hervey Bay and Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation Andrew McNamara said the potential benefits from farming these high-value products would be a significant boon to the region.
"A prospering aquaculture industry has the potential to offer the Hervey Bay region great economic benefits," Mr McNamara said.
"However, preserving our environment and looking after our marine life will be of great importance when we consider aquaculture development in area."
Mr Mulherin said the Draft Plan and Draft Policy were now open for public comment and encourages the community to provide feedback.
"I would like to encourage anyone with an interest in the future of aquaculture development in Queensland to review and comment on both the Draft Plan and Draft Policy by 5pm, October 20, 2008," Mr Mulherin said.
Information, including the consultation meeting schedule, background papers and the Draft GSRMAP and Policy are available by contacting DPI&F on 13 25 23 or visiting the website - www.dpi.qld.gov.au/fishweb.
Media:
Minister Mulherin's office 32396530
Minister McNamara's office 33368004
They have the hide to call Queensland the Smart State,bring on the next election and lets get rid of MacNamara once and for all
Here is the link http://www2.dpi.qld.gov.au/fishweb/18552.html to the fishweb site with all the relevant info on meetings and proposed aquaculture areas.
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