- Former Labor Government caught out making decisions on fisheries management yet again without science or consultation.
- Proposal to reverse 2024 commercial gillnetting regulations in southeast Queensland.
- Consultation open on proposed changes to southeast Queensland fishery
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland's future, and a fresh start for Queensland.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering on its election commitment to ensure any fisheries regulation changes are backed by science and consultation, by moving to revoke Labor's commercial barramundi net fishing in southeast Queensland.
Earlier this year members of the public raised concerns about commercial net fishing in the Logan and Albert Rivers which prompted an internal review of the decision made by the former Labor Government.
The review found Labor's January 2024 introduction of commercial gillnetting of barramundi in new areas of the South East Queensland had no scientific basis and no prior public consultation.
Given Labor's decision with no scientific basis, the Crisafulli Government is proposing to reverse Labor's decision to allow net fishing for barramundi south of Tin Can Bay, reinstating the rules that existed prior to 1 January 2024, until the scientific evidence of sustainable catch levels can be established.
It is one of the ways the Crisafulli Government is delivering a fresh start and a plan for Queensland's future.
The Crisafulli Government is committed to ensuring any legislation and regulation changes are backed by science and involve consultation with affected stakeholders, and public consultation has opened on proposed changes to these net fishing regulations.
Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said the Crisafulli Government was delivering the fresh start Queenslanders voted for, exactly as promised.
"My department's review uncovered former Labor Minister Mark Furner had absolutely no scientific basis when he chose to open gillnetting for barramundi south of Tin Can Bay in early 2024," Minister Perrett said.
"Labor made this decision without scientific knowledge of the fish population or its sustainability.
"This is exactly the reason why fishers were frustrated and angry with fisheries management under the former Labor government's decade of decline.
"It's yet another example of Labor's flawed fisheries policy, entirely based on ideology with no scientific basis.
"While we are delivering on our commitment to provide the fisheries industry the confidence it needs, there is much more to be done to deliver for Queensland's future, and we remain committed to delivering the fresh start we promised.
"This consultation is part of our government's commitment, and we urge the community to make sure their voice is heard and provide feedback before the consultation closes on 31 January.
"We are delivering a plan for Queensland's future by making fisheries management decisions based on scientific evidence."
In addition, the Department of Primary Industries is currently investigating complaints regarding net fishing in the Logan and Albert rivers to ensure operations are compliant with fisheries regulations and sustainable.
To provide a submission, please visit: https://dpi.engagementhub.com.au/barramundi-netting-consultation
