Community gives thumbs up to future recreational fishing hub

Published on 21 July 2016

Rockhampton Region’s fishing, boating and local community have had their say…and it’s a resounding yes to develop the Region as a recreational fishing hub and adventure tourism destination.

For the past five months Rockhampton Regional Council has worked closely with the local fishing community, the broader community, businesses and government agencies to develop the Draft Rockhampton Recreational Fishing Development Strategy.

Council’s Infrastructure Committee Chair Councillor Tony Williams said he was delighted with the results and was already looking to the future after community consultation closed last week.

“This is exactly the support and result we were hoping for,” Cr Williams said.

“We can now move forward and put to Council a robust recreational fishing strategy after we received more than 1000 positive responses and feedback from the local fishing community and key stakeholders.

“What’s extremely encouraging is that we now we have people on board who will absolutely support the vision to make our Region and the mighty Fitzroy a destination hub for recreational fishing, renowned as the home of Barramundi and Threadfin and adventure tourism - it’s very exciting.” 

Cr Williams said the consultation results indicated a range of suggestions but mostly focused on infrastructure and better facilities.

“Early on feedback suggested the main priorities were building new infrastructure such as boat ramps, and the overall the final results supported this along with better facilities to support infrastructure such as parking,” Cr Williams said. 

“There was also a focus from many community members to improve the environment that fish live in and to undertake greater education and compliance to ensure a regulated fishery in the Capricornia Net Free Zone, which includes the Fitzroy River.

“This strategy won’t sit on the shelf; a dedicated task force has already discussed how to implement projects pending Council’s endorsement of the strategy, which will be presented in August.”

Key projects from community consultation include:

• A new boat ramp in North Rockhampton (in The Common – opposite the Callaghan Park)
• Better facilities required at the existing Port Alma boat ramp or a new boat ramp in this locality
  Increase the car parking at the Quay Street Boat Ramp
  Better land-based fishing opportunities required on both sides of the river.

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.

You can view the strategy here or at Council’s Customer Service Offices.