Proposed local law change to ban fishing at Cairns Esplanade angers local fishing community
A proposed law change by the Cairns Regional Council to ban fishing along the entire Cairns Esplanade has incensed fishers.
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A proposed law change by the Cairns Regional Council to ban fishing along the entire Cairns Esplanade has incensed fishers.
Proposed changes to local laws revealed at the council’s planning and environment meeting on August 9 included a prohibition on fishing at Cairns Esplanade Reserve, which extends from Smith St in Cairns North to Cairns Marlin Marina.
As a result of the local law review, which included consultation with councillors at six workshops in 2022, the council’s operations arm determined the prohibition of fishing appropriate.
But Cairns residents, as well as current and former councillors, have fiercely rejected the proposed change.
Cairns City resident Colin Ford called the change “disgusting”.
“Teaching your children and grandchildren to fish is a family and generational right,” Mr Ford said.
“(Council’s proposal) is against anything that’s Australian … it’s intrinsically wrong.
“To say to children and grandparents they can’t fish at the Esplanade is a travesty.”
Mr Ford said he was organising a local display of defiance against the proposal at the Esplanade on Saturday, August 26, at a time to be advised.
Mount Sheridan resident Gerry Vallianos said revoking the right to fish at the Esplanade was a hit to families on smaller incomes.
“Not everybody can afford to go on fishing charters that cost thousands of dollars, but people can afford to buy a handline from Kmart and throw it in the water at the Esplanade,” Mr Vallianos said.
“We shouldn’t be telling locals and tourists they can’t go down there and fish.”
Cairns City resident and former deputy mayor Margaret Gill described the proposed change confusing.
“I can’t understand the council’s reasoning for stopping it,” Ms Gill said.
“If they take away fishing, they take away the opportunity for everyday people to enjoy that family activity … why take away people’s enjoyment?
“I am absolutely against stopping it.”
The council’s director of planning Ed Johnson said the council’s proposal to prohibit fishing was “based primarily on safety concerns”.
“Council regularly receives complaints from the public about fishing on the Esplanade, mostly relating to concerns about safety,” Mr Johnson said.
“Feedback from internal and community stakeholders also expressed concerns about potential conflicts and safety hazards between individuals fishing and those using the Esplanade for walking, jogging, cycling and other recreational activities.
“There were concerns about possible harm from flicking lures, and the potential of items being left behind or blocking the walkway, including hooks, bait, and other tackle.
“This is a proposed local law amendment, which is currently open for consultation.
Council values the input of the community and their feedback is invaluable in shaping decisions that affect the region.”
Division 5 councillor Amy Eden said she was unaware of such complaints.
“As the divisional councillor, I have never been advised of any complaints or concerns,” Ms Eden said.
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Originally published as Proposed local law change to ban fishing at Cairns Esplanade angers local fishing community
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