The HMAS Brisbane dive area is being used illegally as a fishing location, despite being protected as a Marine Park.
Fiona Simpson, Member for Maroochydore, has condemned the state government for failing to enforce the fishing exclusion zone of the HMAS Brisbane, which was designed to protect both the safety of divers and the area’s marine ecosystem.
“Dive operators are charged tens of thousands of dollars in licence fees each year which are supposed to be used to help enforce the fishing exclusion zone. I want to know what this is money being used for, as it is not being used to police illegal fishing,” said Ms Simpson.
“Both the Minister for Tourism and the Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability have been provided with evidence of illegal fishing in the area – yet have not taken action to protect the Marine Park.
“Local dive operators say that the area is rarely policed for illegal fishing, and because of this, illegal fishing is commonplace,” said Ms Simpson.
Ms Simpson said that illegal fishing is degrading the marine park and making the dive site potentially dangerous for divers, with reports of fishing line causing entanglement incidents with divers.
“The State Government needs to take some action on this, to protect this significant tourist draw-card for the Sunshine Coast,” Ms Simpson said.
“The Queensland tourism industry has had enough blows, the state government needs to ensure that this attraction is preserved and protected for divers to enjoy in safety.