Have your say! Reeling in recreational fishing benefits

Published on 14 January 2016

Rockhampton Regional Council is seeking the community’s help to maximise the economic opportunities from recreational fishing in the Region.

Council has launched a survey seeking ideas on how the Region can reap the economic benefits from recreational fishing tourism, what marine infrastructure needs to be developed or improved, what management measures could be implemented to improve the sustainability of our local fishery and how we can best protect the health of our marine ecosystem.

Feedback will guide the development of a Marine Infrastructure and Fishing Tourism Strategy that will be used as a framework for further action.

Committee Chair of Infrastructure, Cr Tony Williams said Council is very interested in hearing the community’s ideas on how we can secure the best economic benefits from the mighty Fitzroy River and Port Alma.

“We need to make sure the tourism and economic opportunities don’t pass us by because we are now in competition with other areas focusing on development of a recreational fishing tourism industry,” he said.

“Whether you have constructive ideas about necessary infrastructure, ecological impacts or how to strengthen services or products, we want to know what they are.  

“The feedback will assist us in developing a strategy that will unlock our Region’s potential - giving tourists another experience and reason to visit Rockhampton and stay longer.”

In coming months Council intends to work with key stakeholders within the community to help develop and advance the strategy.

To submit your ideas on the future of our Region’s recreational fishing tourism opportunities please complete the online survey click here.  

The survey closes February 10, 2016.