Council refuses to disclose unique complaint number after proposing Cairns Esplanade fishing ban
A councillor candidate has called on Cairns Regional Council to release relevant data underpinning a planned Esplanade fishing ban, as fishers speak out in fury. Do you agree with the proposed ban? VOTE IN OUR POLL
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A councillor candidate has called on Cairns Regional Council to release relevant data underpinning a planned Esplanade fishing ban.
On August 9 the council voted in favour of local law amendments which included a proposed ban on fishing along Cairns Esplanade Reserve, which extends from Smith St in Cairns North to Cairns Marlin Marina.
The council has now confirmed the area affected by the proposed prohibition excluded “some sections of sand”.
On Monday council’s director of planning Ed Johnson said the council had received regular complaints from the public concerning fishing activities on the Esplanade that “mostly related to concerns about safety”.
On Tuesday the council was unable to confirm the number of people that had complained in the past 12 months.
“Council crews receive regular feedback from members of the public regarding fishing activities within the Esplanade Reserve and Lagoon Reserve areas,” Mr Johnson said.
“The proposed draft local law is currently out for public consultation to capture community feedback.”
The Cairns Post understands the council’s proposed ban includes all forms of fishing.
Brinsmead residents Anthony and Leanne Davies said they believed the council was not being transparent.
Mr Davies, 62, said he had been fishing on the Esplanade for more than 50 years.
“Their reasons seem obscure. I want to see the complaints, I want to see the injury reports,” Mr Davies said.
“I feel let down, I feel we’re being treated unfairly. I’m sure there have been injuries and near misses with cyclists … but I’m not proposing they get banned.
“There’s some risk involved with every activity.
“When I catch a fish on the Esplanade, people usually want to take a photo. No-one seems to be upset.”
Division 2 councillor candidate Matthew Tickner has called on the council to release the relevant data backing their prohibition proposal.
“Many residents enjoy the opportunity to run a line in areas they can access readily, without paying for expensive fishing charters or travelling large distances,” Mr Tickner said.
“Our way of living up here in Far North Queensland is unique and we don’t need blatantly unnecessary (local) laws wasting council’s time and residents being slapped with fines.”
Division 4 councillor Terry James and Division 5 councillor Amy Eden, both mayoral candidates, both said they supported some form of fishing on the Esplanade.
Mr James said some areas of the Esplanade could be zoned for fishing while other areas restricted to prevent conflict with foot traffic in tight spaces, particularly around Cairns Marlin Marina.
Ms Eden said she wanted to “protect fishing off the Esplanade”.
The council has welcomed feedback on local law changes via email and post.
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