July 2015 Newsletter
Members and supporters, welcome to our July 2015 newsletter.
KIDS ONLY FISHING COMPETITION
Just a reminder that Tackle World Mackay and MRFA are conducting their annual KIDS ONLY fishing competition in the Pioneer River, Sunday the 16th of August.
$4000 worth of prizes are up for grabs, including some fantastic rod/reel combo’s, lures, terminal tackle, in fact each child who participates will win a prize, this is Neil and Helen Elworthy way of thanking Mackay for their support over the years.
Entry is free, BUT CONDITIONAL on prior registration at Tackle World, all entries must be signed by a parent/guardian, each child will be presented with a wrist band which must be worn and presented at the measure-in at the River Street boat ramp from between 3:00 to 3:30 pm on Sunday the 16th of August.
To ensure fairness and to give everyone a fair go, major winners will be selected on determined lengths as opposed to weight or numbers, only species caught in the Pioneer River are eligible to be entered (no mackerels – coral fin species).
NET- FREE ZONE DEVELOPMENTS
If all goes to schedule the implementation date will be the 1st of November 2015. The have your say results have been made public with 96% of respondents in favour if the NFZ with 4% against. Commercial fishers are waging a mighty battle (the truth being the first casualty). Commercial fishers have solicited the support of the LNP to oppose the NFZ regulation when tabled in parliament. This will be tabled as we understand mid-September.
MRFA would like to thank the Member for Whitsunday Jason Costigan for his support with the St. Helens to Cape Hillsborough NFZ.
Following is a section of his letter to the MRAG (independent review into Queensland Fisheries Regulations) dated 30/10/2014.
Dear Sir / Madam
As the Government MP who represents Mackay and the Whitsundays, I would like to register my support for a net-free zone, as proposed by the Mackay Recreational Fishers Alliance. So long as there is adequate compensation for impacted commercial fishers, I believe the concept has enormous merit and will result in growing our all-important tourism industry, which is critical given the current downturn in the resources sector in the Mackay-Whitsunday region.
I strongly commend the Mackay Recreational Fishers Alliance on their proposal and as stated earlier, so long as the few remaining commercial operators who work in this area are given the opportunity to exit the industry with dignity, by way of appropriate compensation, then the net-free zone is something that should be embraced for the overall benefit of our region.
Furthermore, I believe there is strong, local community support for the net-free zone, and as a former resident of Seaforth, which is located along this stretch of coast, I know full well that residents, as well as tourists, are keen to see it approved by an LNP Government.
NET- FREE PETITION SEEKING YOUR SUPPORT
As a demonstration of community support four of our net – free committee members attended the June Seaforth markets and in only four hours obtained 729 petition signatures of support.
We have also obtained 1200 signatures of support while attending the Kuttabul Big Boar Competition.
Every single vote of support is worth its weight in gold. Please click on the following link and fill in the online petition. http://netsoutqld.org
INVITATION TO ASSIST IN COLLECTING BASE LINE DATA.
As part of the introduction of the NFZ, MRFA is conducting a fish data collection weekend on the 3rd and 4th of October. We are hoping that 100 anglers participate, there are no prizes, we are asking anglers to fish anywhere in the proposed NFZ and record their catch on documentation (supplied by us). Not catching any fish is just as important.
The data collected will be provided to Bill Sawynock from Info- Fish Services Rockhampton who is worldwide acknowledged in regards to fish data with over 30 years’ experience and 1.2 million fish in their data base.
We intend to conduct annual catch data collection to measure fish stock recruitment numbers.
If you can assist please contact Luke via email luke@lukesfishinmission.com
If you plan to camp over at the Seaforth camping grounds for the event we will pick up the tab, depending on numbers plans are well advanced for us to cater for dinner and breakfast at a moderate cost.
MRAG (independent review into Qld Fishers)
Our comprehensive response has been submitted in line with that as adopted by QRFN (Queensland Recreational Fishers network) copies are available on request.
SCHOOL FISH PROJECTS
Heads down, bums up, so far this year we are committed with the following school fish angler education programs; Mercy College, 160 children, ( full fishing day activities 3rd/4th of September), Holy Spirit, 21st August 25 children, Whitsunday Anglican ( date to be confirmed ) 50 –60 children. If you can lend a hand please contact please phone Michael Connelly on 49 548 961 or Glenn Fahy 49550665.
MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS
Will be emailed where possible otherwise posted, those who have joined in the past six months will not be receiving a renewal notice.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Our AGM will be held on Wednesday the 19th of August at the Mackay Conservation Groups admin building southern end of wood Street Mackay commencing at 7p.m. sharp, financial members and visitors most welcome.
JULY MEETING BRIEF
Website facelift; It was agreed that we need to update our website, this will be work in progress for the next two months as the NFZ is our priority.
Don’t forget to like us on Facebook as we are regularly updating the page.
Thanks MRFA.
Members and supporters, welcome to our July 2015 newsletter.
KIDS ONLY FISHING COMPETITION
Just a reminder that Tackle World Mackay and MRFA are conducting their annual KIDS ONLY fishing competition in the Pioneer River, Sunday the 16th of August.
$4000 worth of prizes are up for grabs, including some fantastic rod/reel combo’s, lures, terminal tackle, in fact each child who participates will win a prize, this is Neil and Helen Elworthy way of thanking Mackay for their support over the years.
Entry is free, BUT CONDITIONAL on prior registration at Tackle World, all entries must be signed by a parent/guardian, each child will be presented with a wrist band which must be worn and presented at the measure-in at the River Street boat ramp from between 3:00 to 3:30 pm on Sunday the 16th of August.
To ensure fairness and to give everyone a fair go, major winners will be selected on determined lengths as opposed to weight or numbers, only species caught in the Pioneer River are eligible to be entered (no mackerels – coral fin species).
NET- FREE ZONE DEVELOPMENTS
If all goes to schedule the implementation date will be the 1st of November 2015. The have your say results have been made public with 96% of respondents in favour if the NFZ with 4% against. Commercial fishers are waging a mighty battle (the truth being the first casualty). Commercial fishers have solicited the support of the LNP to oppose the NFZ regulation when tabled in parliament. This will be tabled as we understand mid-September.
MRFA would like to thank the Member for Whitsunday Jason Costigan for his support with the St. Helens to Cape Hillsborough NFZ.
Following is a section of his letter to the MRAG (independent review into Queensland Fisheries Regulations) dated 30/10/2014.
Dear Sir / Madam
As the Government MP who represents Mackay and the Whitsundays, I would like to register my support for a net-free zone, as proposed by the Mackay Recreational Fishers Alliance. So long as there is adequate compensation for impacted commercial fishers, I believe the concept has enormous merit and will result in growing our all-important tourism industry, which is critical given the current downturn in the resources sector in the Mackay-Whitsunday region.
I strongly commend the Mackay Recreational Fishers Alliance on their proposal and as stated earlier, so long as the few remaining commercial operators who work in this area are given the opportunity to exit the industry with dignity, by way of appropriate compensation, then the net-free zone is something that should be embraced for the overall benefit of our region.
Furthermore, I believe there is strong, local community support for the net-free zone, and as a former resident of Seaforth, which is located along this stretch of coast, I know full well that residents, as well as tourists, are keen to see it approved by an LNP Government.
NET- FREE PETITION SEEKING YOUR SUPPORT
As a demonstration of community support four of our net – free committee members attended the June Seaforth markets and in only four hours obtained 729 petition signatures of support.
We have also obtained 1200 signatures of support while attending the Kuttabul Big Boar Competition.
Every single vote of support is worth its weight in gold. Please click on the following link and fill in the online petition. http://netsoutqld.org
INVITATION TO ASSIST IN COLLECTING BASE LINE DATA.
As part of the introduction of the NFZ, MRFA is conducting a fish data collection weekend on the 3rd and 4th of October. We are hoping that 100 anglers participate, there are no prizes, we are asking anglers to fish anywhere in the proposed NFZ and record their catch on documentation (supplied by us). Not catching any fish is just as important.
The data collected will be provided to Bill Sawynock from Info- Fish Services Rockhampton who is worldwide acknowledged in regards to fish data with over 30 years’ experience and 1.2 million fish in their data base.
We intend to conduct annual catch data collection to measure fish stock recruitment numbers.
If you can assist please contact Luke via email luke@lukesfishinmission.com
If you plan to camp over at the Seaforth camping grounds for the event we will pick up the tab, depending on numbers plans are well advanced for us to cater for dinner and breakfast at a moderate cost.
MRAG (independent review into Qld Fishers)
Our comprehensive response has been submitted in line with that as adopted by QRFN (Queensland Recreational Fishers network) copies are available on request.
SCHOOL FISH PROJECTS
Heads down, bums up, so far this year we are committed with the following school fish angler education programs; Mercy College, 160 children, ( full fishing day activities 3rd/4th of September), Holy Spirit, 21st August 25 children, Whitsunday Anglican ( date to be confirmed ) 50 –60 children. If you can lend a hand please contact please phone Michael Connelly on 49 548 961 or Glenn Fahy 49550665.
MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS
Will be emailed where possible otherwise posted, those who have joined in the past six months will not be receiving a renewal notice.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Our AGM will be held on Wednesday the 19th of August at the Mackay Conservation Groups admin building southern end of wood Street Mackay commencing at 7p.m. sharp, financial members and visitors most welcome.
JULY MEETING BRIEF
Website facelift; It was agreed that we need to update our website, this will be work in progress for the next two months as the NFZ is our priority.
Don’t forget to like us on Facebook as we are regularly updating the page.
Thanks MRFA.