Paper Petition

The petition of residents of the State of Queensland draws to the
attention of the House the concerns they have with the proposed
declaration and zoning of the Great Sandy Marine Park Draft Plan. The
residents are concerned the proposed changes will affect both the
recreational and commercial fishing industry through sustainability and
safety issues.

The petitioners therefore request the House to resolve the following
concerns in a manner that is fair and equitable to both recreational and
commercial fishing interests:

• Resolve the tension between the recreational and commercial fishing
industry in the areas where there is only 1 hook, 1 line allowed for
recreational fishing;
• Review the go slow areas and its impact on marine safety;
• Reassess the Great Sandy Marine Park Draft Plan to ensure that only the
commercial fishermen with a current history of fishing in this area be
allowed to continue, to stop displaced fishermen from other areas putting
further pressure on fish stocks;
• Pay compensation to the commercial fishing industry if they are
displaced by the plan.