31/1/15 Queenslanders have your say. Election

[rayke1938]

Here is your chance to have your say. Election date 31/1/15.

Cheers

Ray

[Gad]

Thanks Ray. The problem is, after careful consideration, you still end up with a politician. :dry:

[Binder]

Isn't that the truth.

It isn't a case of voting FOR anyone these days, it is always a case of voting OUT the latest drongo who has had his go at screwing you over. With a bit of luck our local member will shortly have much more time to devote to his pizza shop

[rayke1938]

Yeah we have a new one putting their hand up after current member got caught dipping his willy in the plonk and other places. :sick:

Cheers

Ray

[Binder]

Must of had some sort of medical condition requiring his sterilising it, after dipping it elsewhere

[rayke1938]

Must of had some sort of medical condition requiring his sterilising it, after dipping it elsewhere

It never came out if it was a Qld red wine or from elsewhere.

Cheers

Ray

[Gad]

Who left the village gate open?

/>http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-01-21/mermaid-beach-mp-ray-stevens-aggressive-towards-journalist/6032152

[bluefin59]

What a goose that Ray Stevens is he really has some questions to answer !,,

[crazywalrus]

The problem in the past many years is the focus on the leader. A government is made up more than a leader. People and media make the leader the focus and a popularity contest and the real mechanics of the government are missed. Forget about the leader and look at party you think will do the right thing for the Sate and the country.

All i have heard in social media is people complaining about and naming Campbell.

[STKE]

Imagine what it would be like if there wasn't a premier position. Having no one specific person to point the finger at and make a joke of would be interesting.

[Dinodadog]

I would like to see the libs have the chance to go on a spending spree like labour did in both state and federal instead of pulling the country out of the shite once again.

[Binder]

The problem in the past many years is the focus on the leader. A government is made up more than a leader. People and media make the leader the focus and a popularity contest and the real mechanics of the government are missed. Forget about the leader and look at party you think will do the right thing for the Sate and the country.

All i have heard in social media is people complaining about and naming Campbell.

Yep, they have americanised our politics so that they can divorce themselves from the acts of their party. Politicians in particular encorage it so they can not be held accountable for their actions last time they were in power.

Cambell Newman is not to blame for peoples issues with the LNP. if you have an issue with the actions of present government, (of which I personally have many) don't blame Newman, blame the LNP, and vote accordingly,. Conversely if you like what the LNP have done, don't give the credit to Newman, give it to the LNP.

[rayke1938]

Amongst many things all I can think of is how he/they has screwed the stocking groups especially after all the broken promises by Mark Robinson.

Cheers

Ray

[Gad]

Newman`s statement takes me back to Joh`s days of governing for all.

Quote{Mr Newman again warned that election promises would only be honoured in seats that re-elected their sitting LNP members.}

/>http://www.9news.com.au/national/2015/01/24/12/35/newman-defends-anti-palaszczuk-ad

Disclaimer: I`m not politically biased, I look on all politicians and their partys with equal disdain, except of course for the greens.

The rabid greens are more of a threat, to the way we live, than any radicalised terrorist group would ever be!

[Binder]

Same story on ABC site. What a grub. Basically telling the electorate that the government will not do anything for them if they don't elect an LNP member.

/>http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-01-24/no-guarantees-on-projects-if-electorates-snub-lnp-newman/6044122?section=qld

[Gad]

Taken from Fishing World email newsletter 29-1-15

Labor promises new net-free areas for QLD

29 Jan 2015

QUEENSLAND'S Labor Party has promised to introduce three new net-free areas in the state in the lead-up to this weekend's election.

In releasing its pre-election policy "Sustainable Fishing, Labor's plan for fishing in Queensland", Labor has promised significant new net-free areas for three regions in the state: Trinity Inlet, Cairns; St Helens Beach, MacKay; and Yeppoon/Keppel Bay/Fitzroy River, Capricorn Coast.

In the policy statement released last night, Labor leader Annastacia Palaszczuk writes "Labor will seek to increase the economic value of the state’s fisheries resource by recognising that the total value of fish caught by recreational fishing tourists includes spending on local tourism-related businesses such as charter boats, caravan parks and bait and tackle suppliers."

"In recognition of this, a Labor Government will establish net-free zones and implement a plan for promoting charter fishing," said Palaszczuk.

"This is a fantastic breakthrough and will be enthusiastically received by thousands though doubtless strongly contested by a handful of diehards", said spokesman for QLD-based Cairns Recreational Fishing Industries Stakeholders (CAREFISH), Paul Aubin.

In a statement Aubin wrote: "CAREFISH welcomes the support from political parties regarding commercial Gill Net Free Areas.

"Labor announced yesterday it would install three zones ie Trinity Bay Cairns, Mackay and Keppel if elected and negotiate other areas in a process sure to revitalise recreational and tourist participation.

"This is the first time a major party has acknowledged the problem of gillnets in the middle of town and we applaud that."

Labor's pre-election Sustainable Fishing policy:

/>http://yaffacdn.s3.amazonaws.com/live/fishing/files/dmfile/Sustainable-Fishing-Labors-Plan-for-Fishing-in-QLD1.pdf

Queensland State Election this SATURDAY, January 31.

[Gad]

Taken from Fishing World email newsletter 29-1-15

In the lead-up to the Queensland election CAREFISH sent the state's political parties a questionnaire relating to their policies on recreational fishing. Responses were received from the LNP, Labor, Greens and the Palmer United Party - see summary of responses:

We've made a quick summary of recent party directions and positions below.

LNP

2012 election. Put up the promise to buy out 50% of east coast gill

net capacity with a $9m industry buy back with "A FOCUS ON HIGH VALUE

RECREATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AREAS". This recently finalised with all money spent, resulting in 117 of the 397 issued gill net endorsements returned to the state) but leaving 81 to go by those numbers.

No FOCUS ON HIGH VALUE RECREATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AREAS was attempted making those parts of the promise broken.

As soon as elected LNP discarded two important plans that had been long in the making and had involved considerable community involvement and investment. They were 'The Qld Coastal Plan' and 'Stage Two of the East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery Review'

Faced up to UNESCO with a 'Strategic Assessment' that was roundly

condemned as inadequate, putting the World Heritage listing of the GBR in peril, still not resolved. It barely mentioned fishery related issues.

Commissioned an independent 'Fisheries Management Review'. This is

welcomed (and long overdue), however the findings and recommendations are secret, nothing has been announced so we have no idea of its direction.

Have gone into this election with policy announcement regarding Net

Free Zones they call ROFA's "The LNP believes best management of our

fisheries can be achieved in a portfolio that does not operate uniquely or separately".

Sadly this tells us that LNP DO NOT support Net Free Areas

close to community centres, going against community will and even against LNP's own coastal MP's.

Have done nothing to resolve the rorted PPV/RUF levy

(approx $5m pa) that all private boat owners pay via rego to reform the fishery especially commercial over allocation and to establish Net Free Zones.

Did not answer CAREFISH election questionnaire. Does not appear to

be listening very well to the electorate.

LABOR

Pre 2012 election. Local MP Steve Wettenhall (Barron River) had worked with CAREFISH for well over a year to assist in the implementation of 'Trinity Bay Net Free Area' (False Cape to Nth Trinity Beach) but did not achieve it in the end resulting in a backlash at that poll.

2012 election. Put up the promise to allocate $12m to a gill net buy

back.

2015 election. Announces a further gill net buyback "The health of

the Great Barrier Reef also depends on the health of key species including native fish, dugongs and sea turtles. There is also growing evidence that these populations are being harmed by commercial netting practices.

A Labor Government will reserve up to $10 million of our additional Great Barrier Reef funding commitment to fund the buy-back of net fishing licences in key areas".

CAREFISH has been in negotiations for some time regarding our Net Free campaign. Today Labor have responded and announced Cairns, Mackay and Keppel will finally get proposed net free areas!

Please see the attachments/ letter from Tim Mulherin (Deputy Leader

Labor). This is a major breakthrough!

GREENS

Pre 2015 election. Have not worked well with any fishing groups. Had

ideological agendas and caused many rifts in the community.

2015 Election. Issued statement supporting Gill Net Free Areas.

Announced in its policy... The Queensland Greens support the requests for New Free Areas, and for making these areas off limits to gill net fishers.

Also announced Create Local Marine Fishing Councils that would

participate in research and education activities that would provide input into the creation of in-shore fishing legislation.

Have taken a more sensible approach to fisheries matters aligning

themselves to many of our philosophies. Good on them for that! Their

recreational fishing policy looks close to what we'd write. Hopefully we can work toward common goals.

PUP

2015 election. Issued statement supporting Gill Net Free Areas "Our

position is clear in that we will support the creation of recreational-only fishing areas near major population centres in Queensland.

We believe recreational fishing contributes substantially to the tourism sector and we will work closely with recreational fisherman to ensure it has a healthy, prosperous and robust future".

KAP

Pre 2012 election. Was first party to publically support Net Free

Areas in Qld and provided catalyst for the recent Net Buy Back

Still awaiting response to our questionnaire or a policy

announcement. CAREFISH understands that KAP still supports Net Free Areas.

Independents

No independents have responded from FNQ, however others from around

the state have supported Net Free Areas. None have rejected them as yet.

Finally, a quick summary to show parties that support GILL NET FREE AREAS

LABOR YES

PUP YES

GREENS YES

KAP YES

LNP NO

[youngy]

Only one party has said they will stop the development on Wavebreak Island and that is the one that will get my vote, cheers wayne

[rayke1938]

Just found this

LABOR PROTECTS GOLD COAST’S NATURAL ASSETS

Posted on 25/01/2015 by Annastacia Palaszczuk

Opposition Leader Annastacia Palaszczuk says only a Labor Government can guarantee the future of Wavebreak Island.

“Labor is on the record with its stand against the development of Wavebreak Island unlike the LNP that has shown it is incapable of striking any sensible balance between development and protecting our natural assets,†Ms Palaszczuk said.

“Labor’s position is well known. We have taken a stand against proposals that would destroy Wavebreak Island and The Spit.

“We announced last year our policy for supporting the establishment of a World Surfing Reserve covering southern Gold Coast beaches between the NSW border and Burleigh.

“From north to south, Labor’s commitment to the future of the Gold Coast’s unique assets is on the record.â€

Speaking on the Gold Coast at a rally against development of Wavebreak Island, Ms Palaszczuk said the LNP continued to refuse to listen the people of the Gold Coast.

“Campbell Newman and every LNP MP on the Gold Coast simply take locals for granted,†she said.

“This is a beautiful part of the world and Labor has pledged to protect it instead of allowing it to be exploited.

“I challenge the LNP to match this pledge instead of hiding from the people of the Gold Coast and refusing to listen to what they have to say.â€

Ms Palaszczuk said developing Wavebreak Island would severely impact the wonderful lifestyle benefits the area offered.

“There’s less than a week to go until the election and the local LNP MPs seem happy to allow development at Wavebreak Island,†she said.

“The debate has moved away from a cruise ship terminal to a very real debate about high-rise hotels, a casino and apartments on a unique local landmark.

“Labor will work with local community groups and join them in saving this region from LNP-backed development.â€

Ms Palaszczuk said creation of a World Surfing Reserve between the NSW border and Burleigh would help protect and expand the region’s $1.4 billion industry supporting 20,000 jobs.

“By protecting this local asset we are protecting the economy and protecting jobs,†she said.

Bit late for me as I have already voted.

Cheers

Ray

[youngy]

Thanks Ray, if the thickheads in the council and government could understand how valuable fishing and boating could be to local tourism industry then we might get some where, until then we are just an afterthought to political parties, cheers wayne

[crazywalrus]

"Labor is on the record with its stand against the development of Wavebreak Island unlike the LNP that has shown it is incapable of striking any sensible balance between development and protecting our natural assets,†Ms Palaszczuk said.

“Labor’s position is well known. We have taken a stand against proposals that would destroy Wavebreak Island and The Spit."

Ummm Both the spit and wave break Island are both man made not Natural lol

so what is the GST percentage hahahahahahahaha

[rayke1938]

Spit certainly not man made.

Cheers

Ray

[rayke1938]

ted i take it that you support the development of the spit and wavebreak island.

Cheers

Ray

[Gad]

Taken from Fishing World email newsletter 30-1-15

Queensland Election - Recreational Fishing Form Guide: How the Parties Stack Up

Keep Australia Fishing requested all major parties support a network of recreational fishing havens throughout Queensland, starting with Moreton Bay.

In summary, the response has not been great.

Here are the responses the parties have provided through their policy statements and other correspondence to date. Note the ‘Our Opinion’ comments below are the opinion of Keep Australia Fishing.

Keep Australia Fishing thanks the parties that have responded to the write-in efforts of our supports in relation to the establishment of the Moreton Bay Recreational Fishing Reserve.

Should the LNP Government be returned to office, Minister McVeigh has committed to take the report (Independent Review of Fisheries in Queensland by MRAG Asia Pacific) to Cabinet at the earliest opportunity, and logically work through and thoroughly assess all proposals, in-line with budget considerations and community and stakeholder support.

Minister McVeigh outlined that he was simply unable to provide an immediate ‘yes or no’ answer to any ‘rec-only’ area requests, and his office has received plenty.

Source: Statement from Minister McVeigh’s Office.

Keep Australia Fishing's Opinion:

The Liberal National Party has not committed to any new initiatives, rather highlighting their past achievements such as the $9 million buyback . They have not committed one way or the other to recreational fishing havens for Moreton Bay or elsewhere. Most emphasis will be on implementing the outcomes from the Independent fisheries review. It is not possible to determine whether this is good or bad for recreational fishers as we have not seen the report or the Government’s response.

QUEENSLAND LABOR

A Labor Government will reserve up to $10 million of our additional Great Barrier Reef funding commitment to fund the buy-back of net fishing licences in key areas. We will progress this initiative in close consultation with relevant stakeholders such as the fishing industry and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

Source: Saving the Great Barrier Reef. Labor’s plan to protect a natural wonder.

Labor will establish three net-free fishing zones in north and central Queensland:

• Trinity Bay - Cairns,

• St Helens Beach – Cape Hillsborough, North of Mackay

• Yeppoon/Keppel Bay/Fitzroy River, Capricorn Coast.

Labor will sit down with both recreational and commercial fishing organisations to investigate how a commercial net-free fishing area can be best instituted in Moreton Bay to obtain the maximum gain from the fisheries resource in Moreton Bay for the benefit of the region.
/>http://annastacia.com.au/Policies/Sustainable%20Fishing.pdf

Keep Australia Fishing's Opinion:

The Labor Government have committed to a buyback of an unspecified number of commercial fishers in unspecified areas of the Great Barrier Reef region. Though this is good, we would like more detail on the nature of the buyback. The have expressed their intent to assess Moreton Bay after the election with a view to establishing it as a Recreational Fishing Haven. They have not included any other detail on other recreational fishing issues to date

QUEENSLAND GREENS

Assess the impact of and introduce regulation to manage the number of boat ramps to limit the impact of vessels on estuaries and coastal foreshores.

Review maximum take limits for commercial and recreational fishing (bag limits) and compliance with the regulations to ensure the sustainability of stock levels and increase marine biodiversity.

Ban shark fishing in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area immediately. Phase out shark fishing in Queensland fisheries as soon as possible and only allow again in future, when specific catches of shark have scientifically been shown to be sustainable.

Train commercial and selected recreational fisher folk to take water quality samples whilst fishing. They will be paid for their services to the understanding of our marine resource. We envision a highly automated system to maintain integrity of data.

Introduce a recreational fishing licensing regime similar to those used in other states of Australia. Related legislation will separate these funds from general revenue for the express purpose of LMFC managed project expenditure to revitalise the fish resource.

Keep Australia Fishing's Opinion:

The Greens have placed a lot of emphasis on recreational fishing in comparison to the other parties. However, the majority of the policies seem to be restrictive in nature – regulating boat ramp access to estuaries and foreshores, reviewing bag and size limits, banning shark fishing and establishing a license system. With their track record on recreational fishing, you would have to be cautious about the intent of these policies.

[Gad]

If you want to stop kids of the future fishing, VOTE green :sick:

[crazywalrus]

ted i take it that you support the development of the spit and wavebreak island.

Cheers

Ray

I think you have it wrong Ray. But I can not sit by and see a biased thread.

[aussie123]

Ms Palaszczuk said creation of a World Surfing Reserve between the NSW border and Burleigh would help protect and expand the region’s $1.4 billion industry supporting 20,000 jobs.

“By protecting this local asset we are protecting the economy and protecting jobs,†she said.

If they go ahead with this, I can see the closure of Currumbin Creek and Tallebudgera Creek to all boats wanting to cross those bars.

That will be a massive loss for that part of the coast to not only the fishermen but the local businesses as well.

[youngy]

The Government net by back scheme is a rort, a big percentage of net licenses these days are leased, the only net licenses getting bought back are spare ones.

There is no decrease in net fishing which is supposed to be the aim of the buy back scheme, cheers wayne

[crazywalrus]

The Government net by back scheme is a rort, a big percentage of net licenses these days are leased, the only net licenses getting bought back are spare ones.

There is no decrease in net fishing which is supposed to be the aim of the buy back scheme, cheers wayne

Like all government schemes they are hard to implement. What is the alternative ban netting and pay no compensation. If they bought up active licenses the inactive ones would become active.

I can not believe everybody's memories here. It was only 3 years ago people where complaining about Labor locking up areas in green zones .

[Dinodadog]

We certainly dont want another Anna sending Qld down the gurgler.

Dino

[Gad]

ted i take it that you support the development of the spit and wavebreak island.

Cheers

Ray

I think you have it wrong Ray. But I can not sit by and see a biased thread.

/>http://www.goldcoastaustralia.com/media/documents/Environmental_History_of_the_Spit_-_Broadwater.pdf

[Old Scaley]

The people have spoken. Hopefully the politicians are listening.

[Dinodadog]

Getting that sinking feeling again.

[ellicat]

At least there are no Greens :woohoo: (except the ones in the ALP) :sick:

[Gad]

Sooo, the only certainty today is, Qld wont be on ebay tomorrow……. :dry:

[ellicat]

We'll have to see if Palacechook keeps her promise to not do a deal with the minor crackpots to form minority government (if required) first.

[Gad]

Oh dear, politicians, media, liars.

The only thing I`m certain of, at the moment is: the Katter party mps, if given the chance, will prostitute themselves to anyone who will give them a larger telephone booth to play tiddlywinks in…….. :dry:

Meanwhile, the Liberal National Party has reneged on its campaign promise not to negotiate with minor parties or independents to form a minority government.

/>http://www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/palaszczuk-still-waits-to-become-premier/story-e6frfku9-1227204498214

[Luc53]

Only two rules in politics:

1 - Do & say anything to get in power

2 - Do & say anything to stay in power

[Binder]

Except keep a promise!

[Dinodadog]

I laugh at all the whiners when they say fix the budget.

But dont make any cuts to anything that involves me.