Queensland

Blatant misleading lies designed to impact our industry

AFTA has been informed of false claims made on the “Deep Drop Fishing” social media page that the Queensland Government plan to ban electric fishing reels.

These false claims are made by Shane Card, using an alias Cane Shard.

AFTA Members and recreational fishers are rightly concerned over the potential impact of such a decision.

AFTA promptly addressed the matter with Minister Mark Furner, who, commendably, instantly dispelled any notion that electric reels for recreational fishing would be prohibited in Queensland.

To mitigate any potential damage to our industry we need to be on the front foot on this issue and collectively refute any assertions that Electric Reels will be banned, more so now given the increasing market sector electric reels will occupy.

Qld Election

Minister Furner on the water

With just a month remaining until the Queensland election on October 26, time is quickly running out. I remind members that AFTA has proactively addressed concerns of interest to our members through a formal Queensland Recreational Fishing Policy Submission presented to both Minister Mark Furner (ALP) and Shadow Minister Tony Perrett (LNP).

It was greatly appreciated that both Ministers, Mark Furner and Tony Perrett, attended the trade show, engaging with wholesalers, retailers, and the public.

As each political party reveals their policies, AFTA will publish them in full and, after obtaining all of them, provide an assessment of which policy best supports our industry.   Each party would be well served to release full policies prior to the commencement of voting.

Election Commitment Update:

Gill Nets:
AFTA sincerely appreciates Minister Mark Furner’s efforts in recently announcing a Labor Election Commitment to a Mary River net-free zone to benefit Maryborough recreational fishers. This demonstrates that Minister Furner has listened to and acknowledged AFTA’s calls for the Mary River to be a net-free zone. AFTA has now called on the LNP to match that election commitment.

In response to members’ comments at the AFTA Trade Show, AFTA updated its Queensland Policy Submission to include a request for a gill net-free Moreton Bay Marine Park.

AFTA advocates for a completely net-free southern Moreton Bay extending south of Coochiemudlo to the Gold Coast.

Harvest Sharing – Sustainability
AFTA has called for a Harvest Sharing Model that includes a list of species designated solely for recreational fishing.

Snapper, Pearl Perch, and Saddle Tail Snapper are all slower-growing species that are caught using line fishing techniques. These species have increasingly become targets for commercial fishing.
Recreational fishers have contributed to sustainability by diversifying their catches away from focusing only on Snapper and Pearl Perch, only to observe commercial fishers targeting these species intensively and buying additional quotas, thereby nullifying the conservation efforts of recreational anglers.

The Snapper/Pearl Perch recreational fishery is specific to South-East Queensland and would be ideal as recreational-only southern offshore species, alongside yellowfin whiting as an inshore species. In northern Queensland, AFTA recommends making Saddle Tail Snapper a recreational-only catch species.

AFTA also took the opportunity to remind both Minister Furner and Shadow Minister Perrett at the AFTA Trade Show that Queensland’s recreational fishing sector includes 394 independent tackle shops, 42 BCF stores, 20 Anaconda stores, two major manufacturers, 44 wholesalers, various service stations, holiday parks offering bait and tackle, as well as 69 KMART and 51 Big W retail outlets, and 179 fishing charter operators.

Interestingly, 26% of Queensland adults partake in recreational fishing, exceeding the national average of 21.4%. The recreational fishing industry contributes approximately $2.52 billion to the state’s economy and generates 23,602 full-time jobs. This includes $1.04 billion and 9,025 jobs in Greater Brisbane, along with $1.48 billion and 14,577 jobs in regional areas of the state. The industry directly employs 10,142 individuals through charter fishing, sales of fishing gear, tackle, bait, and businesses such as accommodation and retail outlets catering to anglers.

It is politically unwise to neglect the issues raised by our sector. AFTA will continue to provide updates on policy developments.

Knife Legislation

Again, AFTA reminds all members that from September 1 2024, Qld law banned selling knives to under-18s. This includes different categories of knives and how to control them.

There are 8 steps for sellers:

1. Review your stock for affected items.
2. Decide if you need to sell these items.
3. Do not sell to minors.
4. Put up signs about age limits.
5. Train your staff and keep records.
6. Do not advertise items illegally.
7. Store some controlled items securely.
8. Follow rules for restricted items and weapons.

Please note: AFTA does not give legal advice, members must independently check they follow the Qld law. The Government have provided a detailed info pack:

Northern Territory

The newly elected Chief Minister, Lia Finocchiaro, has officially designated Deputy Leader Gerard Maley as the Minister for Recreational Fishing and the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, among other duties.

Gerard, an enthusiastic angler, has been a vocal advocate for the initiative to eliminate the 14 commercial gill nets in the Territory since its inception in February of this year. We anticipate the implementation of this acquisition plan throughout the Government’s current term.

The full Ministerial portfolio list is available here: (https://parliament.nt.gov.au/members/ministry)

Million Dollar Fish

Also in the Territory, Australia’s richest fishing competition is back for Season 10, with registrations now open (https://afta.net.au/million-dollar-fish-season-10/)

Season 10 runs from October 1 2024 – March 31 2025. You must be registered for this season to claim any prize money or giveaways.

NSW

Large Rainbow Trout stocked in new NSW Central West fishing spot

The NSW Government is enhancing recreational fishing in NSW by releasing 250 Rainbow Trout into Spring Creek Dam, Orange. These ex-broodstock trout weigh over two kilos each. For the first time, a section of the dam’s foreshore will soon allow lure and fly fishing, attracting anglers. This spot complements local fisheries like Gosling Creek and Lake Canobolas.

The NSW Government will collaborate with Orange City Council to introduce species like Murray Cod and Golden Perch into Spring Creek Dam. The ex-broodstock trout used were bred at the Dutton Trout Hatchery. This stocking event supports the state’s initiative to boost recreational fishing for trout and native sportfish across various waterways.

Recent Central West stockings include:

5,000 advanced Rainbow Trout at Lake Wallace, Wallerawang

5,000 advanced Rainbow Trout at Oberon Dam

260 large ex-broodstock at Carcoar Dam, near Blayney

2,000 advanced Rainbow Trout at Wyangla Dam, near Cowra

4,000 advanced Rainbow Trout at Lake Lyell, near Lithgow

1,500 advanced Rainbow Trout at Ben Chifley Dam, near Bathurst

In total, around 2.5 million trout and other species will be stocked in NSW this year with support from the Recreational Fishing Trust. Fish stocking ensures sustainability and benefits inland recreational fisheries.

For more information on the fish stocking program, visit: NSW Fish Stocking

Victoria

Animal Care and Protection Bill

In the exact words of Premier Jacinta Allan on August 28:

I fish. My husband fishes. We taught our kids how to fish.

The Government I lead is pro-fishing and proud of it. We’re even giving away free rods to schoolkids.

I want to be clear that there is simply no change to fishing under an animal welfare Bill we are consulting on.

I will never put a stop to fishing events or competitions.

That’s a guarantee.

Rainbow Trout Stocking Program

Freshwater fishing is very much on the mind of Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos with the announcement of 1000 rainbow trout up to 4 kg being released into 17 waterways. This is in addition to the thousands of trout up to 200g to be released ahead of the school holidays.

Details at: https://afta.net.au/huge-rainbow-trout-stocked-across-melbourne-lakes/

South Australia

AFTA commends Recfish SA on the successful execution of their fact-finding Fisho’s Forum Tour. Held between May and July 2024, the tour visited five regions across South Australia – Adelaide, Mt Gambier, Pt Lincoln, Whyalla, and Renmark. The objective was to engage with the recreational fishing community to pinpoint areas requiring improvement within the state’s recreational fishing sector. These identified “key priorities” will be fundamental to RecFish SA’s focus moving forward.

The forums are crucial for maintaining a close connection with the community and ensuring transparency as we tackle various issues. Below, you will find specific priorities for each region. During these five forums, 61 unique recreational fishing priorities were highlighted and categorized into eight main categories. Detailed graphics and summaries for each region are provided below.

Recfish SA Results – Fisho’s Forum Tour

Offshore Windfarms

The Minister for Climate Change & Energy has now officially announced the Bunbury Offshore Windfarm Zone.

Additionally, the AFTA submission on July 31 to the Senate Standing Committees on Environment and Communications regarding the “Senate Inquiry into the Offshore Wind Industry Consultation” has been formally recognized as the 3rd submission received. The Committee is expected to submit its report by the last sitting day in February 2025. The report will be made available on the Committee’s website. AFTA will continue to update its members.

 Gone Fishing Day

The Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation (ARFF) is promoting “Gone Fishing Day,” scheduled for October 13, 2024, as an ideal opportunity for AFTA members to engage with the community and broaden their reach.

This year’s Gone Fishing Day theme is ‘fish for balance, get back to nature.’ The industry at large invites fishing enthusiasts across the nation to enjoy time on the water, highlighting angling as a way to improve health and well-being.

Fishing provides benefits beyond mere enjoyment. Studies have indicated that participating in outdoor fishing can positively impact health by reducing stress and anxiety, encouraging mindfulness, and maintaining mental balance. In addition to its mental health benefits, fishing promotes physical activity and exercise, whether through traversing streams, hiking to remote locations, or exerting effort to catch a significant fish.

Shark Depredation

AFTA encourages all recfishers being affected by shark depredation to engage with Dr Jonathon Mitchell at email jonathan.mitchell@daf.qld.gov.au

There is a 2.5-year project underway that will involve a series of stakeholder workshops at regional centres in Queensland, Western Australia, Northern Territory and New South Wales — the main states and territories where shark depredation has been identified as a common issue.

To gain a deeper understanding of the science behind shark depredation, I recommend reading the report by Dr. Jonathan D. Mitchell from the Queensland Government’s Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, titled, Discussion paper for the Fisheries Research & Development Corporation National Workshop on Shark Interactions in Australian Fisheries   Your input is needed please.

Elections:

Over the next 12 months, there will be elections in:

QLD

October 26th 2024

Issues to be raised:

• Removal of Gill Netting on Mary River
• Removal of Morton Bay Gill Nets
• Spanish Mackerel boat limits
• Snapper fishery bag limits
• Black Jewfish bag limits
• Crab Pot regulations.
• Shark Depredation

WA

March 8th 2025

Issues to be raised:

• Demersal Bans
• Increase in marine park areas.
• The banning of ALL wire traces from shore between Mandurah and Two Rocks.
• State government support for Offshore Windfarms
• Shark Depredation

FEDERAL

May 2025

Issues to be raised:

• Offshore Windfarms
• Shark Depredation
• Importation of green prawns and white spot disease
• Actions to address microplastics in the ocean.
• Banning the importation of Crab Pots that don’t comply with Australia-wide state legislation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it will be an interesting year ahead for both our industry and for various governments as we all face possible change.

I look forward to working with and for you in the year ahead.

Tight Lines & Full Tills,

Cheers

Bob