FFSAQ meeting with Fisheries Minister, not good!

[Feral]

fYI below is the transcript from Les. You might note the Fisherieis Minister doesn't think he is responsible for fishing. I found that interesting, also looks like the Mary River Cod is pretty much kaput, no funding, also likely SEQWater will not allow the only hatchery at Cooroy to operate, little own provide it with funding.

I wonder if the Greenies who had Traveston stopped will be standing beside me fighting for the Cod breeding program to continue? Somehow I doubt it. Anyway enough rant - here it is.

27th December 2009

To: Freshwater Fish Stocking Groups

MEETING WITH FISHERIES MINISTER

As stocking groups would be aware, FFSAQ has had concerns with the manner in which the freshwater fishing fraternity was consulted during the drafting of the Wyaralong Dam Recreation Master Plan by Queensland Water Infrastructure (QWI). FFSAQ had communication with Tim Mulherin the Fisheries Minister, and was subsequently invited to discuss the matter with him. The meeting took place on the 9th December 2009.

Basically, the Minister was of the opinion that this matter was not under his jurisdiction, and suggested, that FFSAQ should seek consultation with Stirling Hinchliffe, the Infrastructure and Planning Minister whose portfolio embraces the administration of QWI. Minister Mulherin appeared to be satisfied with the level of negotiations Fisheries have had with Queensland Water Infrastructure. It has to be said however, that these talks have focused on the process of any fish stocking program rather than whether or not recreational fishing or stocking is part of the QWI recognized or approved recreation activities. It is FFSAQ’s opinion that the Fisheries Minister is overlooking the “big picture†potentially adverse implications that are likely to transpire from future recreation plans that fail to adequately recognize the value of recreational fishing activities at public water impoundments. Recent events coming from SEQWater can testify these concerns. FFSAQ has now sought a meeting with the Minister for Infrastructure and Planning in the new year.

The dissolution of the MAC process and how freshwater is to be administered by the new Queensland Fisheries Advisory Committee was discussed. The Minister assured FFSAQ that QFAC would have a “Freshwater†member appointed, and that delegate would be adequately serviced by the establishment of sub-committees known as Technical Advisory Groups (TAG’s).It is understood from previous advice that QFAC will only meet twice a year. It will be very interesting to see how adequately and efficiently QFAC handles all the issues that it will be confronted with. What authority will the appointed QFAC sector members be empowered with to establish TAG’s and such likes. Or will this be undertaken by Fisheries bureaucrats. The Minister was not forthcoming on these matters. The future management of the SIP Scheme is of particular concern as it is now unknown what level of open and transparent administration will be provided. Under the dissolved Freshwater MAC, the SIP sub-committee was basically administered by community stocking group representatives. It is expected that this will now be administered by a TAG, but under which process, who knows. FFSAQ will be watching this very closely.

Given that the construction of the proposed Traveston Dam has not been approved, the plight of Mary River Cod continues to be again uncertain. Part of the dam proposal was for a new research facility to be built as part of the development process, but now of course, this will not eventuate. Future funding by Fisheries towards the existing cod breeding facility at Lake MacDonald was raised with the Minister. FFSAQ was informed that no extra government funds (currently inadequate) would be made available to enhance the sustainability of this endangered specie. The Minister advised that budget priorities had to be given to the likes of health, education, police and transport. Funding resources currently available to operate the hatchery are only sufficient to continue on basically a day to day basis. This is a poor recognition of an endangered specie. Before the creation of the State Governments South East Queensland Water Grid, the Lake MacDonald Hatchery was owned by the Sunshine Coast Regional Council who previously contributed to the hatchery operation. Lake MacDonald, and of course, the hatchery facility is now owned by SEQWater. Given SEQWater’s existing community policy, it is most unlikely if any funds will be directed to the hatchery operation from them, or even if the facility will be allowed to operate. It is also not know what the current position of the Sunshine Coast Regional Council is towards the hatchery either. All up, it does not look good for the future of Mary River Cod.

Even though FFSAQ may have some differences with Minister Mulherin, it is acknowledged that there is a level of repour between both parties that allows FFSAQ to continually meet with the Minister on a regular basis. This understanding must be maintained.

Les Kowitz

FFSAQ Executive Officer.

[rayke1938]

"The Minister advised that budget priorities had to be given to the likes of health, education, police and transport" and trail bike facilities,dragon boat racing and kayak polo,horse riding all being funded for Wyaralong Dam. Only thing they missed out on was Wanker Watching but you can do that for free at a certain establishment at the end of George Street in the city.

Cheers

Ray

[Do$tylz]

wtf is going on these days with the lack of support anywhere for recreational fisherpeople???

someone needs to be slapped.

[HookedOnTackle]

is this info going to the opposition as well? to news media to make them look like they are letting an endangered species become extinct for a few dollars?

if they get out and have a voice and it gains support, they can at least put some pressure on the laborious party to do something constructive

what a freakin cop out, money is needed for police, health, education and transport... they are selling the states transport arm and using the sectors most demand is for. have they taken a pay cut to help that? have they reduced their super contributions to the standard community level?

these pricks dodge questions like the agents in the matrix.

and have so much time up their sleeve while communities and interested groups struggle to have their voice heard, let alone listened to.