Time Running Out To Comment On Freshwater RIS

October 4, 2002

The public has one week left to comment on a range of proposed management changes to Queensland’s freshwater fisheries.

The Department of Primary Industries Queensland Fisheries Service (QFS) has outlined the recommendations in a Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) for freshwater fisheries currently open for public consultation.

Proposals include changes to size and catch limits, further exemptions to the Australian bass closed season and barramundi closed season, closures to fishing near dam and weir walls, and an extension to the Stocked Impoundment Permit scheme.

QFS senior policy officer Michelle Hollaway said the recommendations were aimed at ensuring freshwater fisheries remained sustainable for current and future generations of Queenslanders.

Ms Hollaway urged the public to have their say about the proposals before it was too late.

“Anyone who has an interest in freshwater fishing and its future, needs to be a part of this process,” she said.

“It is important to remember that they are only recommendations and we do rely on public feedback to help assess the proposals and to determine whether they become legislation or not.”

Ms Hollaway said once the consultation period closed, the responses would be collated and referred to the Freshwater Management Advisory Committee which would then provide a set of recommendations to QFS.

More details on the proposed management changes outlined in the freshwater RIS can be found on the DPI Fishweb site at www.dpi.qld.gov.au/fishweb or by phoning the DPI Call Centre on 13 25 23.

The public has until Friday, October 11 to comment in writing on the proposals outlined in the RIS.

Department of Primary Industries Media Unit
GPO Box 46 Brisbane Q 4001 Ph 07 3239 6380
DPI Call Centre 13 25 23 (weekdays 8 am to 6 pm)

Further information: Michelle Hollaway (07) 3227 7259
Communications Officer: Liz Smith (07) 3224 7757

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