Fishers want more fee control
GOLD COAST recreational fishers want more control on how more than $4 million in annual funding raised from levies and boat registrations is allocated.
Recreational fishing advisory body Sunfish Queensland has made a series of proposals to state and federal government representatives including the creation of a recreational advisory committee to recommend how the funds raised from recreational fishing levies are spent.
Sunfish's Judy Lynne said their body wasn't looking for a hand-out, simply more control.
“We just want to be able to access some of the money we pay in fees and have more control on how it is spent,” Ms Lynne said.
“We're trying to get the government to better allow us to support our industry by improving boat ramps, facilities and pontoons.
"We don't want a hand-out, we want them to re-focus on the value of recreational fishing.
Ms Lynne said a focus on recreational fishing would also be the “perfect opportunity for the government to push the tourism aspects of fishing”.
Sunfish have also proposed a total ban on commercial gillnetting, a review of green zones within the Moreton Bay Marine Park and an increase in the visibility and responsiveness of fisheries inspectors.
