Have your say on Region’s recreational fishing – One week to go

Published on 08 July 2016

Ever thrown your line into the Fitzroy River and thought a boat ramp, pontoon or fishing platform would be great too?

Well you’re not alone and Rockhampton Regional Council wants to hear your thoughts now.

The draft Rockhampton Recreational Fishing Development Strategy – a plan to develop the Region’s recreational fishing experience to become an adventure tourism destination – will be on display for discussion and ideas on Wednesday 13 July at the Northside Plaza.

Council’s Infrastructure Committee Chair Councillor Tony Williams said the feedback to date had been promising but he was encouraging more input before the closing date on Friday 15 July.

“The community has been extremely positive particularly with local businesses excited about future opportunities for the industry along with their passionate supporters,” Cr Williams said.

“Our feedback so far has included improvements to marine infrastructure such as more fishing decks and more boat ramps, along with generally improving the fishing experience as a whole.

“We really want to make sure we’ve got people on board and have a good solid picture of what the fishing community thinks, so we’ll have the draft strategy available for viewing again next Wednesday 13 July at the Northside Plaza – it really is a great opportunity for local residents and visitors to have their say.”

Cr Williams said the future of recreational fishing across the Region was in good hands with the community, businesses and government all contributing to its future.

“We are absolutely blessed with the mighty Fitzroy River right on our doorstep; we want to showcase this natural asset as best we can, and having a robust well-thought-out strategy is definitely taking it to the next level,” Cr Williams said.

“We’ve started the journey by working with the local fishing community, businesses and government agencies with the hope that our Region will have a bright and sustainable future as a top notch spot to catch Barra and King Threadfin and for having a great recreational fishing experience.”

The Draft Strategy aims to develop recreational fishing businesses, market the Region as a fishing destination, improve local management practices and work towards a healthier Fitzroy River system.

Council will evaluate all feedback and submissions received against the priorities in the Draft Strategy before taking it back to Council in the coming months.

Priorities include:
Building new boat ramps and extending existing ones.
Creating designated land fishing spots across the Region.
Support fishing related businesses establish themselves.
Develop a strategic marketing plan.
Undertake greater education and compliance to ensure regulated fishing.

Visit Council’s information stand at Northside Plaza on Wednesday 13 July to view the strategy, talk to Council staff and complete the feedback survey on the spot.

You can also view the strategy and make comments here, view the strategy at Council’s Customer Service Offices or pop into Council's Customer Service Centres.

Feedback closes Friday 15 July.