Queensland Minister for National Parks Steve Dickson

Balance For The Bay

Victor P Taffa

Recreational fishers will have a new place to drop their lines, with the creation of a 20 hectare artificial reef off Scarborough in the Moreton Bay Marine Park.

National Parks Minister Steve Dickson said it was part of the Government’s $50 Million Marine Infrastructure Fund and would boost tourism and the local economy as promised at the election.

 

 

 

 

 

“This truly is a top spot for fishing, and a new artificial reef will enhance this wonderful recreational activity and tourism opportunity.” Mr. Dickson said.

“We’ve dedicated $250,000 towards the project on the Western side of the bay, where local anglers said there was a real need.”

“It will be made of environmentally suitable, stable and long lasting materials, and support a variety of activities from spear fishing to game fishing.”

Mr. Dickson made the announcement after the Government decided not to proceed with a proposal to allow limited recreational fishing in the existing Scotts Point ‘green zone’ area.

“Under the proposal, single-line recreational fishing would have been allowed from the shoreline.” Mr. Dickson said.

“We began seeking feedback from the community and asked the local MP to continue this consultation.”

“However the proposal was not supported by Labor Redcliffe MP Yvette D’Ath and therefore won’t proceed.”

“Anglers told us there was a chance to create a top class fishing spot that would bring people to the area and build the local industry.”

“This new announcement assures recreational fishers that while the local member may have forgotten them, we haven’t.”

“700,000 recreational fishers across the state generate in the vicinity of $450 million in economic activity annually to the economy and we are excited to give them this new opportunity.”

Mr. Dickson said the reef would be named after former Sunfish Moreton Branch chairman Bill Turner.

“Mr. Turner lobbied to have an artificial reef in the area for 24 years, and it’s wonderful to see his legacy continued with the creation of Turner Reef.” Mr. Turner said.

Sunfish Queensland Executive Officer Judy Lynne said recreational fishers from Redcliffe and Moreton Bay welcomed the new reef.

“Bill led the campaign for this reef for more than 20 years, and this is a well-deserved memorial for someone who has done so much for recreational fishing in Redcliffe and in particular for disabled access for recreational fishers.” Ms. Lynne said.

“Recreational fishing tourism is a very important social and economic contributor to local and state economies, and it’s great to see this activity further improved.”

Moreton Bay Regional Council Mayor Allan Sutherland also applauded the move.

“Most of the reefs are on the Southern or Eastern side, so this new artificial reef is a common-sense approach which will improve safety by allowing anglers to be closer to refuges and boat ramps.” Cr. Sutherland said.

“The reef will be a fitting tribute to someone that virtually dedicated his life to recreational fishing on behalf of all Queenslanders.”

Mr. Dickson said there were no current plans to change any other green zone boundaries.