Council launches marine infrastructure survey

Published on 22 April 2016

Rockhampton Regional Council is looking to further enhance recreational fishing opportunities in the Region and are eager to hear the community’s thoughts.

Today, Councillor Tony Williams launched a marine infrastructure survey to gauge the community’s views on current boat ramps, land based fishing opportunities and where the community would like to see new facilities be built in the Rockhampton Region.

Councillor Williams said there can be no doubt that the Rockhampton Region is under supplied for quality boat ramps and land based fishing areas both in the Fitzroy River and at Port Alma.

“We want to provide the community and our visitors a better experience when it comes to recreational fishing and fishing opportunities,” Cr Williams said.

“As of March 2016, the Department of Transport and Main Roads had 5,162 registered boats in our Region. Based on average demand, our community requires 17 boat ramp lanes and around 380 car parks, however we only have nine designated boat ramp lanes (including Nerimbera) and an estimated 60 car and boat trailer parks available,” he said.

The statistics follow a survey undertaken by Council earlier in the year which also revealed four out of five respondents wanted to see improvements to marine infrastructure in the Rockhampton Region.

“Recreational fishing is an important lifestyle attractor for this area and part of our local culture. Undertaking this survey will provide Council with information to help direct where boat ramps and land based fishing areas could be developed,” Cr Williams said.

“The State Government in 2015 by regulation closed the river and the greater parts of the bay and delta to commercial net fishing. This change has the potential to underpin significant growth in recreational fishing tourism locally however we need the marine infrastructure in place to take advantage of this opportunity.”

Bill Sawynok from InfoFish Australia said the Council has been proactive in drafting a comprehensive strategy to build another tourism opportunity for Rockhampton (recreational fishing tourism) and this survey will assist that process.

“Diversifying our economy further to build on recreational fishing tourism is a win-win for the entire community,” he said.

The marine infrastructure survey will be open until 20 May. The survey will be completed via face to face interviews at boat ramps, land based fishing areas. An online survey is also available via https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/rockhamptonfishingsurvey