Aquaculture Proposal Great Sandy Straits
The proposals for Aquaculture in the Great Sandy Strait could place considerable restrictions on the boating and fishing activities in the area and they could substantially reduce access to prime fishing areas. The Secretary of Fraser Coast Sunfish Mr Martin Bellert raised these concerns today.
It is simply another restriction of access likely to be imposed in addition to the green and yellow area restrictions imposed with the introduction of the Great Sandy Marie Park
Already there has been some conflict between the public and existing lessees and this may only accelerate as more and more areas are given over to this form of production .The products are mostly of high value and destined for the export or high end of the market
Mr Bellert said t hat one particular type proposed , surface lines,could easily be a navigation hazard for small boaties particularly at night whilst others are below the surface and make it difficult to avoid
snagging.
There are many unanswered questions regarding these proposals such as those already mentioned but there are other serious issues as well such as the rights to fish in the areas ,to travel through them and the rights of the grower as well .
Martin Bellert urged all fishers and interested parties to attend at least one of the meetings in Maryborough (2) Hervey Bay (2) and Bundaberg (2) to hear more detail regarding the proposals and to voice their concerns regarding any aspect of the project that may impinge on Recreational Fishers using the Great Sandy Strait. Details regarding the meetings can be found on the QDPI&F web site and by contacting the Fisheries call centre 13 25 23 (cost of a local call within Queensland)
Mr Bellert went on to say that Aquaculture is still commercialisation of the Straits and the Marine Park and there must be a trade off to reduce the wild take. It would be difficult to support the proposals unless trade off are given.
All fishers are invited to come to the meeting to gain a greater understanding of the proposals and to provide feedback to the Qld Dept. of Primary Industries and Fisheries
Wednesday 3 Sept Hervey Bay 7pm - 10pm Kondari Resort
Thursday 4 Sept Maryborough 2 pm - 5pm Comfort Inn Blue Shades
Thursday 4 Sept Maryborough 7pm - 10pm Comfort Inn Blue Shades
Monday 8 Sept Bundaberg 2 pm - 5pm Sugar Country Motor Inn
Monday 8 Sept Bundaberg 7pm - 10pm Sugar Country Motor Inn
Tuesday 9 Sept Hervey Bay 2 pm - 5pm Kondari Resort
Martin Bellert Secretary
Ray Ozich Chairman
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