Local fishers across the Dawson region are expressing growing concerns over the future
of both commercial and recreational fishing.
They’ve cited a range of challenges including regulatory changes and economic pressures.
Federal Member for Dawson and Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and
Sovereign Capability Andrew Willcox and Federal Shadow Minister for Fisheries Senator
Ross Cadell this week called a meeting with local fishers at Mackay Reef Fish Supplies.
It’s part of a 2-day Regional Queensland Fisheries listening tour which will meet with
local fishers and stakeholders in Mackay, Bowen and the Burdekin.
“At this initial meeting we discussed NX licences which allow commercial fishers to
continue to use gillnets, which are being phased out over the next two years.” Federal
Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox said.
“The regulations being imposed on our fishermen and women are unrealistic and this is
why I have asked Senator Cadell to the region, to talk with these people who are just
trying to earn a living while feeding the nation.”
“Every time we reduce the numbers of fishers, the knock on effects are enormous. The
boat builders, ice makers, chandlery shops and many other small businesses, and our
communities suffer.”
“Our fishers are already carry out environmentally sustainable practices, with quotas,
zone management, boat trackers and cameras onboard, so the best thing that
government can do, is reduce the red tape and let the fishers fish.
