New generation of Fisheries patrol officers ready for frontline protection of Moreton Bay

New Fisheries Patrol officers will be monitoring activities off the Queensland coast as part of the State’s $20 million Sustainable Fisheries Strategy.

Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol has welcomed its next generation of recruits.

The fisheries compliance officers are part of a new intake under the Queensland Government’s $20 million Sustainable Fisheries Strategy 2017-2020.

Two new officers, Vinh Duong and Jesse Phillips, will be stationed on the Redlands Coast, at Cleveland.

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Member for Redlands Kim Richards said the new officers would be trained in a broad range of duties to ensure compliance with Queensland fishing regulations.

“We have a strong Fisheries presence in the Redlands and our newest officers will be on the frontline as we build a legacy of a sustainable fishery for our children and our grandchildren,” Ms Richards said.

“I am sure they will learn a lot from the rest of the team here.

“It is an incredibly diverse and interesting role and I am sure they will do a great job for Queenslanders.”

Officer Vinh Duong was inducted into the service during a ceremony at Parliament House. Picture: Supplied.

Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Minister Mark Furner said the inductees included three indigenous officers and an Asian liaison officer.

“This diversity recognises that the QBFP works with fishers from many backgrounds and sometimes requires specialist cultural and language skills,” Mr Furner said.

“The new recruits will be based around our state, from Weipa in the far north all the way down to Redlands in the southeast.

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Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol officer Jesse Phillips will be based at Cleveland. Picture: Supplied.

“Among them we have the son of a currently serving officer, and the brother of a currently serving officer whose father was also a member of QBFP – making ours a truly multi-generational force.

“Today we are also paying tribute to some of our longest-serving staff with five officers who commenced with QBFP in 1989 and another who has been with the patrol for 37 years.

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“In an era when people tend to be highly mobile, moving between different jobs and career paths, it’s gratifying to see members of the public service who are so passionate about their work they make it a lifelong pursuit.”