New Queensland fishing policy change “vital” for industry future

It’s hoped a policy change by the Queensland Government will renew confidence in the commercial fishing industry and secure its future.

The Queensland Government has announced it is revoking investment warnings for the state’s commercial fishing industry with hopes that the move will boost industry confidence Pic Mark Calleja

The Queensland Government has announced it is revoking investment warnings for the state’s commercial fishing industry — a move, which the government hopes will restore confidence, improve financial access and support industry growth.

The announcement was made by Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett in Yeppoon with Queensland Seafood Industry Association Chief Executive Officer David Bobberman and local MPs.

“Queensland’s commercial fishers deserve certainty and the confidence to grow and invest — that’s exactly what this decision delivers,” Mr Perrett said.

“By revoking these warnings, we’re backing our seafood industry, reducing red tape, and restoring confidence.”

The Queensland Government announced that it is revoking investment warnings for the state’s commercial fishing industry. The announcement was made in Yeppoon on Wednesday, June 18 by Queensland Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett who was joined by State MPs Donna Kirkland and Nigel Hutton and Queensland Seafood Industry Association Chief Executive Officer David Bobberman.

For at least the past decade the commercial fishing industry has been under Queensland Government issued Investment and Increased Effort Warning Notifications, which the current government believes were a barrier to investment and innovation.

Mr Perrett said the new change was vital to the future of the industry, which contributes around $354 million annually to Queensland’s economy while supporting about 2,835 jobs.

“This is a sensible change, that aligns with the direction of the government’s draft Primary Industries Prosper 2050 Blueprint - to enable growth through smarter regulation and industry confidence,” he said.

“This will support our ambitious target to grow the value of primary industries to $30 billion by 2030.”

Mr Bobberman said the former warnings had a chilling effect on investment in the industry and stunted its growth.

“This is an incredibly important development that will be universally welcomed by wild-catch fishers throughout the state,” he said.

“It is refreshing and exciting to know that we have the tangible support of the State Government.”