New fishery working group for Moreton Bay takes shape

August 23, 2018

THE Queensland Government has announced the appointment of the new Moreton Bay Working Group under the landmark Sustainable Fisheries Strategy.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner welcomed the appointed members who will provide advice to the government and work to ensure Moreton Bay remains a world-class fishery. “The working group’s priority will be to advise on fishing rules specific to Moreton Bay as part of a regional management trial,” Minister Furner said. “The regional management trial is an action under the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy. Many stakeholders have told us they want to come up with specific rules for their area to improve stewardship of fisheries resources and build co-operation across fishing sectors. The Queensland Government is committed to protecting the State’s valuable fisheries resources and delivering a world-class fisheries management system through the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy 2017-27.”

Mr Furner said members of the Moreton Bay Working Group were selected during an expression of interest process and will play a key role in representing the views and aspirations of all stakeholders.

“Membership of the new working group reflects the broad range of stakeholders with an interest in the fishery including the commercial fishing industry, recreational sector, scientific, conservation organisations and the Traditional Owners of Moreton Bay,” he said.

Membership of the Moreton Bay Working Group is:

Norm Good (science);
Jason Thomson, Greg Savige, Michael Wood, Matthew Vujica, Mark Kleinschmidt (commercial fishing);
Dr Barry Pollock, Judy Lynne, Martin Cowling, Mark Templeton (recreational fishing);
Mathew Hubbard (charter fishing);
Cameron Costello, Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (Traditional Owner); and
Dr Paul Maxwell, Healthy Land and Water (conservation).

Mr Furner said the new Moreton Bay Working Group would meet for the first time in September. “Being a member of a working group is just one way to be involved in Queensland’s fisheries management reform process,” he said.

People interested in the management of Moreton Bay will have an opportunity to provide their views on any proposed changes that the working group identifies.

For more information about the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy, visit www.fisheries.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23.