New report shows $30m injection from recreational fishing

A new report shows recreational fishing has injected about $30 million into the North Queensland economy.

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A NEW report shows recreational fishing has injected about $30 million into the North Queensland economy.

The Economic Contribution of Recreational Fishing by Queenslanders to Queensland report showed recreational fishing in the dry tropics pulled almost $15 million directly into the economy, with a similar amount in flow-on effects.

Recreational fishers in the South East region were found to be the largest economic contributors, with fishers in the Wide Bay Burnett and the dry tropics, including Townsville, following.

The report showed recreational fishing in the dry tropics supported almost 175 full-time equivalent direct jobs, with an additional 120 through other areas of the regional economy.

Fishing Warehouse owner Dave Hodge said it was great to see a figure illustrating how important recreational fishing was to the region.

“I know it will continue to be a huge part of life up here for decades to come,” Mr Hodge said.

The report also analysed the economic contribution of recreational fishing during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said fishing was an important driver of employment in Queenslands Economic Recovery Plan from Covid-19.

Last year, the state government provided $704,244 in grants to community groups to support fish restocking and community engagement efforts in 63 impoundments under the Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme.

in 2021 and 2022, $892,000 will be made available through a grants program.

Member for Mundingburra Les Walker said the report showed just how important recreational fishing was for the economy.

Originally published as New report shows $30m injection from recreational fishing