A re-elected Miles Government will create gillnet-free zones in the Mary River, delivering benefits for local recreational fishers around Maryborough.
The move would boost stocks of fish that are favourites among anglers, such as barramundi, bass, mangrove jack and golden perch.
Gillnets can inadvertently entangle native marine life outside of the target species of fishers.
The Mary River is one of just two Queensland rivers the endangered Australian lungfish is native to, a species that has existed as long as 400 million years.
Under this plan, QRIDA would be directed to manage a scheme to compensate commercial fishers impacted by the proposed closure, as they did with the Great Sandy Strait Structural Adjustment Scheme.
Line, trawl, and crab apparatus where approved would still be permitted within the gillnet-free zone similar to other gillnet-free zones.
The Miles Government has already restricted gillnet fishing on the Great Barrier Reef, introducing a plan late last year.
Gillnet fishing in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area will be phased out by mid-2027.
AFTA has now called on the LNP to match the commitment.
“The Miles Government has listened to local fishers and the Australian Fishing Trade Association and will ban gillnet fishing in more of the Mary River if re-elected.
“We have seen the success of net-free zones in Rockhampton, Mackay and Cairns, boosting stocks for local recreational fishers to enjoy.
“The Miles Government is committed to supporting Queensland fishing, while the LNP cut 28 per cent of jobs in Fisheries Queensland when last in power.”