Freshwater fisheries working group
This working group provides advice on the management of freshwater fisheries, including stocking and recreational fishing rules (e.g. size limits and closures).
Advice on the management of the Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme (SIPS) is provided by a separate working group.
Meetings
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20 October 2021
The Freshwater Fisheries Working Group met for the first time on 20 October 2021. The Chair introduced the group, it’s role and terms of reference. All members gave a general introduction and update from their respective sectors and/or regions.
Fisheries Queensland gave an overview of the freshwater sector and an update on current programs. Members were provided an opportunity to ask Fisheries Queensland and other members questions. The following topics were noted and discussed by members:
- compliance with fisheries regulations, particularly in remote and regional areas,
- signage and general advertisement and awareness of fisheries rules and pest fish,
- fingerling supplies of Mary River Cod,
- pest fish use,
- recreational fishing licence,
- vision for freshwater fishing,
- access to freshwater bed and banks for recreational fishers (s13A Land Act 1994),
- bow hunting in freshwater,
- attracting younger generations and refreshing memberships of fishing and stocking groups,
- the value of freshwater fisheries to Queensland,
- commercial hatchery code of best practice.
The working group reviewed and discussed potential options for the ongoing use of opera house traps in Queensland. It was noted that over the past 12 months, an increasing number of state jurisdictions had either banned or moved to further restrict the use of Opera House traps and other enclosed traps used for collecting yabbies and shrimp, and the department had received numerous requests to consider complementary arrangements in Queensland.
The working group noted that since new restrictions were introduced for freshwater traps in 2015 to reduce the incidence of bycatch of air breathing mammals there have been no substantiated reports of animals becoming trapped in compliant fishing traps or evidence (through compliance and clean up exercises) to suggest that significant bycatch issues remain in the fishery. However, there have been sporadic incidents involving the use of non-compliant apparatus and/or confusion over where different apparatus can be used.
The working group supported further investigation of the need for change including gathering data on air breathing non-target species capture and fate. It was noted that Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol maybe able collect enhanced data from clean up days if possible. The working group supported considering greater consistency in relation to opening size for closed traps throughout the state. Reviewing attendance and float rules, especially outside of impoundments, were also supported to help improve compliance. Ghost fishing of other aquatic fauna was also raised as an issue for further investigation.
It was noted that any proposed changes to current management arrangements in relation to the use of Opera House traps would require significant consultation with fishing tackle retailers, the recreational fishing sector and other interested stakeholders.
Dr Susannah Leahy presented to the Working Group regarding the outcomes of a study on the contribution of stocked fish to the commercial barramundi fishery in the dry tropics region. Key findings included that wild fish constituted the major proportion of catch (>95% by number), and that stocked fish did not contribute significantly to the commercial catch. It was, however, found that stocked fish made a larger genetic contribution (parents and grand-parents). Access to freshwater was found to significantly enhance growth of juvenile barramundi.
Fisheries Queensland requested advice from the working group on the current management arrangements for Prescribed Barramundi Waterways, and the potential inclusion of waters above the Fitzroy Barrage on the list of Prescribed Barramundi Waterways. The working group were advised Fisheries Queensland’s current policy position is exemptions to the barramundi seasonal closure are only appropriate where there is no –or very limited –opportunity for downstream movement of spawning barramundi.
The working group was supportive of Fisheries Queensland developing a policy for adding and removing waterways for barramundi and bass closures for improved clarity about how prescribed waters are established. The Working Group reviewed the potential inclusion of waters above the Fitzroy Barrage and were not supportive of adding these waters to the Prescribed Barramundi Waterway list without further data. The working group noted that previous reports regarding the fish way on the Fitzroy Barrage indicated both upstream and downstream fish passage of barramundi. It was suggested that Dr Leahy’s methodology for identifying the natal origin and life history (salt and freshwater residency) may be particularly applicable for demonstrating (or otherwise) the lack of connectivity. More surveys would also be needed to conclusively demonstrate that the fishway on the Fitzroy Barrage does not pass juvenile and sub-adult barramundi.
The next working group meeting is tentatively scheduled for February 2022.
The Freshwater Fisheries Working Group members are:
Fisheries Queensland (Chair- Tony Ham, Director Management and Reform – Kimberly Foster, Principal Fisheries Manager – John Dexter, a/Fisheries Manager (Freshwater) – Thomas Hart), Agri Science Queensland (Andrew Norris), Biosecurity Queensland (Tim Lucas), Water Operators (Chris Delamont, David Roberts), Fish Stocking (Garry Fitzgerald, Ian Leighton, Joe Legrady), Recreational Fishing (Ross Williamson, Peter Delaforce, Kaidon Anderson), Water Use and Community (Chris Joseph), Aquaculture (Brett Smith, Bruce Sambell, Craig Cluff), Conservation (Merilyn Thomas), Pest Fish (Nicole Whysall), Aboriginal and Torres Straight Island Communities (Tanya Kirkegaard), Murray Darling Basin Authority (Greg Ringwood), Sciences (Stephan Gabas).
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11 May 2022
The Freshwater Fisheries Working Group met for the second time on 11 May 2022. The Chair welcomed and outlined the objectives of the meeting. Members gave a general introduction and update from their respective sectors and/or regions. Fisheries Queensland provided a general update on freshwater and compliance activities.
The working group discussed development of a list of ten priority items for further consideration by Fisheries Queensland. Working group members again raised the issue of a recreational fishing licence and recommended that this be considered as an option. Fisheries Queensland advised that there was no current policy position to introduce a recreational fishing licence and that there was no proposed extension to the SIP Scheme at this time to cover all fresh waters. Other issues discussed included compliance resourcing, the provision of Mary River Cod fingerlings, tagging of Mary River cod, pest fish research and response, including competition stocking of native species. The working group will further develop a list of priorities out of session.
Working Group members welcomed input from the Deputy Director General Mr Graeme Bolton and the Executive Director Mr Dallas D’Silva during this discussion. The working group was asked to review, discuss and provide advice on a proposal to allow bow fishing in Queensland. The working group advised that bow fishing would not be appropriate for many areas in Queensland and was unlikely to have the broad community support necessary to achieve regulatory change. The members advised that this method of fishing would not substantially increase the take of pest fish and could lead to off target impacts and the most efficient way to catch pest fish was still using current recreational fishing methods.
The working group was asked to discuss and provide advice on possible strategies to reduce fishing interactions with non-target species. The working group noted that the majority of anglers do the right thing and that the current rules are appropriate. The group noted that there may be a need to increase education and compliance through the use of social media and other communications methods. The group also noted that it may be worth looking at expanding the range of people who can retrieve non-compliant or abandoned fishing apparatus (e.g. as first nations rangers and dam operators).
Working Group members and Fisheries Queensland discussed possible future concepts for improving freshwater fishing in Queensland with the ED Fisheries with members expressing their appreciation for this engagement.
The working group discussed strategies to modernise freshwater fishing and stocking associations. Members noted that there were a broad range of issues that have impacted stocking groups, including ongoing support and coordination, and that this matter should be further explored at the stocking workshop to be held at Mackay in October. Members noted that there was no simple answer to the issues raised but advised that consideration should be given to assessing the appropriateness of the current model moving forward.
Dr Andrew Norris, Principal Scientist, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries provided an update on recent research into fish attracting structures for stocked impoundment fisheries. One project investigated the effectiveness of different types of fish attractors for Australian Bass and Golden Perch in impoundments to improve recreational angling experiences. Another project demonstrated an almost 3-fold increase in barramundi abundance at sites where fish attractors were installed. These results demonstrated that both species used the fish attractors as habitat and their abundance at fish attractor sites generally increased. The results were combined with studies from overseas to develop a best practice guideline for the use of fish attractors in Australian impoundments.
The working group raised a number of topics during general business to be discussed at future working group meetings including:
- future research priorities, with the working group to develop a list of gaps and priorities,
- a bag and size limit review for freshwater fish,
- new species for impoundment fisheries
- a hatchery accreditation and quality assurance scheme,
- a discussion on insurance, administration and administrative support mechanisms for stocking groups
- a discussion and presentation on native ornamental species as alternatives to non-native aquarium species
- a presentation on the Victorian model for freshwater research,
- a presentation on waterway barrier triggers and future planning
- Management of pest fish
- The Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme
The next working group meeting is tentatively scheduled for October 2022 after the freshwater workshop.
The Freshwater Fisheries Working Group members are:
Fisheries Queensland (Chair- Tony Ham, Director Management and Reform – Kimberly Foster, Principal Fisheries Manager – John Dexter, a/Fisheries Manager (Freshwater) – Thomas Hart), Agri Science Queensland (Andrew Norris), Biosecurity Queensland (Tim Lucas), Water Operators (Chris Delamont, David Roberts), Fish Stocking (Garry Fitzgerald, Ian Leighton, Joe Legrady), Recreational Fishing (Ross Williamson, Peter Delaforce, Kaidon Anderson), Water Use and Community (Chris Joseph), Aquaculture (Brett Smith, Bruce Sambell, Craig Cluff), Conservation (Merilyn Thomas), Pest Fish (Nicole Whysall), Aboriginal and Torres Straight Island Communities (Tanya Kirkegaard), Murray Darling Basin Authority (Greg Ringwood) Science and Research (Stephan Gabas).
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30 November 2022
The Freshwater Fisheries Working Group met for the third time on 30 November 2022. The Chair welcomed and outlined the objectives of the meeting. Members gave an update from their respective sectors and/or regions. Fisheries Queensland provided a general update on freshwater, women in recreational fishing and compliance activities.
The working group discussed and provided preliminary advice on potential additions to the Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme. It was noted five dams applied to be part of the Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme. The working group identified that Lake Manchester had access issues and therefore, may have limited benefit to the SIPS. There were questions about Paradise Dam and the presence of vulnerable species. However, it was noted this dam and the catchment has been stocked for a significant period with minimal issues. In summary, Enoggera Dam Reservoir and Mount Morgan Dam were supported, Paradise Dam generally supported noting the ecological issues, while Ross River Dam needed to resolve some access issues. Lake Manchester was not supported due to access issues. The impoundments will now be considered by the SIPS working group before a recommendation is made to the executive for consideration before further regulatory processes can occur.
The working group discussed and provided advice on potential changes to the size and possession limits for Golden and Silver Perch. Two proposals discussed were an increase of the minimum size of golden perch from 30cm to 35cm and an increase of the possession limit of silver perch from two to five in major stocked impoundments. It was noted that currently most freshwater fish have the same size limit which makes it easier to understand the rules. The working group recommended that the biology of the species should dictate the minimum size limits. An increase to 35cm would allow more of the population to mature, increasing chances of individual fish breeding. The working group supported the increase of golden perch from 30 to 35cm based on the biology of the species. It was noted Fisheries Queensland would consult with fish stocking groups in western Queensland as part of further public consultation before any changes are considered.
For silver perch, the recommendation of the working group was to potentially increase the limit to five in certain stocked impoundments as they are put, grow, take fisheries. Outside of these impoundments the working group recommended silver perch be nil take, particularly in the Murray Darling Basin. It was noted further consultation would be undertaken before any changes are considered.
The working group noted the current management arrangements for non-indigenous fish and discussed potential clarifications for further consideration by Fisheries Queensland. It was noted there was some confusion in interpreting current arrangements for non-indigenous fish and fishers can struggle with what part of the regulation to apply at what time. The working group identified there needed to be increased education regarding this issue, especially in systems where there are vulnerable species. Natural range expansion also needed to be considered. It was noted legal stocking of some species outside of their natural range may also contribute to the misunderstanding of a species native range. The working group recommended a more detailed catchment-based approach is required to provide greater clarity based on risk.
Samantha Tonissoo and Luke Becker from the DAF Impact Assessment and Management team gave a presentation about waterway barrier works and the importance of fish passage. Luke and Sam both answered questions from members of the working group and agreed to follow up on some of the issues raised. The presentation was well received by the working group.
The working group noted the consultation draft policy for adding or removing seasonal closure exemptions for catadromous fish and discussed issues for further consideration by Fisheries Queensland. Several suggestions were made to improve the draft policy and provide greater clarity of the policy statement. It was noted there will be further opportunities to comment on this policy as part of broader consultation.
The working group raised a number of topics during general business to be discussed at future working group meetings including:
- Non-indigenous fish
- Continuation of discussion around waterway barrier works
- Pest fish internal working group update
- Future freshwater research priorities
The next working group meeting is tentatively scheduled for March 2023.
The Freshwater Fisheries Working Group members are:
Fisheries Queensland (Acting Chair- Peter Kind, A/Director Management and Reform – Sian Breen, Principal Fisheries Manager – John Dexter, Fisheries Manager (Freshwater) – Thomas Hart, Fisheries Officer (Freshwater) – Christelle Legrand, Senior Fisheries Manager – Tim Lucas), Agri Science Queensland (Andrew Norris), Biosecurity Queensland (Hayden Ferguson), Water Operators (Chris Delamont, David Roberts), Fish Stocking (Garry Fitzgerald, Ian Leighton, Joe Legrady), Recreational Fishing (Ross Williamson, Peter Delaforce, Kaidon Anderson), Water Use and Community (Chris Joseph), Aquaculture (Brett Smith, Bruce Sambell, Craig Cluff), Conservation (Merilyn Thomas), Pest Fish (Nicole Whysall), Aboriginal and Torres Straight Island Communities (Tanya Kirkegaard), Murray Darling Basin Authority (Greg Ringwood) Science and Research (Stephan Gabas).
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16–17 May 2023
The Freshwater Fisheries Working Group met for the fourth time on 16 and 17 May 2023. The Chair welcomed and outlined the objectives of the meeting. Members gave an update from their respective sectors and/or regions. Members noted a significant increase in pest fish following recent weather events. Members raised concern about lack of fish passage in a number of areas. Fisheries Queensland provided a general update on freshwater, women in recreational fishing, aquaculture and compliance activities.
The working group noted issues for discussion and provided feedback regarding the hatchery accreditation policy and the broodstock policy. The key principles in the early draft hatchery accreditation policy were noted. The working group feedback suggests that maintaining genetic diversity is important and should be key in both policies.
The working group noted the current management arrangements for non-indigenous fish and discussed potential clarifications for further consideration by Fisheries Queensland. It was noted there was some confusion in interpreting current arrangements for non-indigenous fish. It was recommended that Fisheries Queensland update the Regulations regarding three key species (sleepy cod, barred grunter, sooty grunter) in line with the approach previously taken with redclaw. Clear communication is essential and clarifying boundary lines will assist with this. The working group discussed the merit that a licence for all Queensland waters could offer to improve funding in the future, but noted that this is not a policy approach currently being considered by the Queensland government.
Biosecurity Queensland (BQ) provided a general update on the progression of pest fish management and current issues. The working group noted the collaborative approach that is currently being adopted by BQ and was well received.
The working group noted issues for discussion and provided feedback to further develop the concept of promoting native fish in aquariums. Graeme Finsen from Australia New Guinea Fishers Association (ANGFA) presented on the objectives of ANGFA and the outreach work they are involved in, in conserving and promoting Australian native fish.
The working group discussed potential research priorities for further consideration by Fisheries Queensland. The main topics considered were threatened species, optimising aquaculture production of certain species, integrated stocking strategies, climate change, fish kills and pest fish. DAF will develop a structured research strategy for consideration of the working group.
The working group discussed the role of volunteer stocking groups in fisheries management. It was noted that the viability of stocking groups and how achieving objectives is becoming more difficult due to increased costs and responsibilities, with a lack of resourcing. The working group recommended that Fisheries Queensland review the current model of delivery for the stocking program to determine what improvements can be made.
The working group discussed how to fully integrate new species (mangrove jack, jungle perch, mullet and trevally) into a stocking program. Issues discussed included overcoming the expense of transitioning to industry uptake of new species, initiating a trial of stocking the species, developing production processes and markets. Fisheries Queensland will undertake internal consultation on potential funding and resourcing mechanisms, and report back to the working group.
The next working group will be held October 2023 with new working group members. Fisheries Queensland thanks the current working group members for their positive contribution.
Freshwater Fisheries Working Group members present:
- Peter Kind (Chair, Fisheries Queensland)
- Thomas Hart (Freshwater Fisheries Manager)
- Christelle Legrand (Freshwater Fisheries Officer)
- Tim Lucas (Senior Fisheries Manager)
- Andrew Norris (Agri Science Queensland)
- Hayden Ferguson (Biosecurity Queensland)
- David Roberts (Seqwater)
- Chris Delamont (Sunwater)
- Ian Leighton (Fish Stocking)
- Joe Legrady (Fish Stocking)
- Ross Williamson (Recreational Fishing)
- Peter Delaforce (Recreational Fishing)
- Craig Cluff (Aquaculture)
- Merilyn Thomas (Conservation)
- Pest Fish (Nicole Whysall)
- Greg Ringwood (Murray Darling Basin Authority)
- Paul Kuhn (QBFP)
Apologies:
- Stephan Gabas (Science and Research)
- Garry Fitzgerald (Fish Stocking)
- Bruce Sambell (Aquaculture)
- Kaidon Anderson (Recreational Fishing)
- Chris Joseph (Water use and Community)
- Tanya Kirkegaard (Aboriginal and Torres Straight Island Communities)
- John Dexter (Fisheries Queensland)
Terms of reference
The Queensland Government is committed to ensuring fisheries resources are managed in a sustainable and responsible manner that recognises the interests of all Queenslanders. An important part of fisheries management is stakeholder engagement through working groups.
Working groups provide advice within the scope of this terms of reference, which is considered alongside advice, information and requirements from Fisheries Queensland, the Sustainable Fisheries Expert Panel, other government agencies as well as feedback from public consultation. Collectively, this informs decisions on the management of our fisheries.
Queensland’s freshwater fisheries are geographically diverse and provide for a wide range of recreational pursuits. Key sectors include traditional/cultural use by Aboriginal peoples and Tories Strait Islanders, SIPS and non-SIPS stocking, recreational fishing, aquaculture, aquarium, the commercial eel fishery and conservation and research interests. They are heavily impacted by water regulation and associated infrastructure, habitat loss and degradation, poor water quality, introduced species and waterway barriers. Climate change is emerging as a key challenge, with reduced inflows and longer dry spells across large parts of the state (including increased risks associated with low oxygen events).
Purpose of the working group
The working group will provide advice on all matters relating to the management of freshwater fisheries, including stocking and recreational fishing rules, such as details about size limits and closures.
The Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme (SIPS) advisory committee will provide advice on SIPS management.
Objectives
- To provide general advice to Fisheries Queensland on any operational matters, emerging issues and general management of Queensland’s freshwater fisheries.
- To share knowledge, understanding and perspectives between different user groups and sectors.
- To build a cohesive vision for Queensland’s freshwater fisheries.
Working group roles
The role of working group members is to:
- provide operational advice to Fisheries Queensland on the management of Queensland’s freshwater fisheries
- provide advice on emerging issues (e.g. compliance, data, legislation, research)
- disseminate factual information back to a broad range of other stakeholders in freshwater fisheries and provide other stakeholders feedback to the working group for discussion.
The role of Fisheries Queensland is to:
- provide direction for working groups in the form of a work program
- arrange meeting times and provide logistical support for meetings
- prepare and distribute meeting materials to support the effective operation of the working group
- provide information and data to support the work of the working group
- provide a point of communication between the working group, the SIPS advisory committee and other areas of government
- maintain communication with the working group members at least every 3 months
- establish sub-working groups, particularly to support regional representation of issues, that report to a working group to support improved co-management of our fisheries resources.
Obligations and responsibilities of members
Being a working group member has important obligations and responsibilities. In accepting the appointment, members must be prepared to:
- Contribute knowledge of, and experience in, Queensland’s fisheries
- Consult with stakeholder peers through port-level or regional associations and networks, representative bodies and other avenues as necessary to ensure as many stakeholder views as possible are considered as part of working group discussions. Members will be asked to report on broader views, not just their view as a member, including how the feedback was gathered and who it represents
- Constructively participate in discussions to achieve acceptable outcomes.
- Respect the views expressed by other members
- Act in the best interests of freshwater fisheries as a whole, rather than as an advocate for any particular individual, organisation, interest group or regional interest
- Avoid pursuing personal agendas or self-interest, and participate in discussion in an objective and impartial manner
- Promptly advise the Chair in writing (or announce at the start of a meeting) of any conflict-of-interest issues that arise, including those that may be perceived by others or have the potential be a conflict, subsequent to appointment
- Conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with the Queensland community’s expectations for reasonable conduct at all times. This requires a commitment to honest, fair and respectful engagement including showing respect towards all persons involved in working group business.
Unreasonable behaviour will not be accepted. An appointed member may be removed from a meeting or in the case of serious and/or repetitive conduct removed from a working group if their conduct is contrary to the role, obligations or responsibilities as a working group member.
In either circumstance, the appointed Chair will provide a verbal warning if unreasonable behaviour is displayed at a meeting. Following this, the Chair has discretion to remove a person from the meeting. A record should be made in the meeting notes. If the unreasonable behaviour is displayed at a number of meetings and/or associated with working group business outside a meeting, the appointed Chair will write to the member to provide an opportunity to remedy the behaviour. If there is no change in behaviour or remedy, the Chair will refer the matter to the Executive Director, Fisheries Queensland, for formal review of the member’s membership.
Unreasonable behaviour includes abusive, threatening and other behaviours that may also become ‘unreasonable’ when, because of its nature or frequency it raises health, safety, resource or equity issues for those participating in the working group or others engaging with working group business.
Abusive behaviour is defined as directed at the individual, including foul, racist, sexist or demeaning language. Aggressive behaviour includes angry outbursts, which although not directly or explicitly threatening, are in an intimidating tone and intensity. Threatening behaviour is specific or explicit statements that a reasonable person would interpret as a real and serious communication of an intent to inflict harm on the person receiving the call or another person, or employees of the organisation in general, or to inflict damage or take other hostile action against departmental or meeting location property.
Other actions or behaviours which may, depending on the circumstances, be considered unreasonable conduct include unrelenting/repetitive contact (excessive contact, refusing to accept an outcome, lodging the same claim over again), demanding conduct (demanding a different outcome, demanding impossible, impractical disproportionate outcomes), unreasonable lack of cooperation (withholding or providing incomplete information, intentionally providing overwhelming volumes of information) and unreasonable arguments (argumentative or irrational conduct, conspiracy allegations, making vexatious complaints).
Meeting administration
The operation of the working group will consist of regular meetings via online meeting platforms (i.e. Microsoft Teams), or in person where resources allow.
Fisheries Queensland will prepare the agenda, including an opportunity at the start of each meeting for members to raises concerns, and supporting documents 14 days ahead of each meeting. Review of these documents will be required prior to the meeting in order to participate effectively.
The appointed Chair will manage the meeting according to the agenda, review status of action items from previous meetings, ensure a summary and actions for each agenda item are recorded and a communique for the meeting is prepared. The Chair will also address any conflicts of interest and manage the conduct of all members and observers present at the meeting.
Fisheries Queensland will publish the communique online within 3 days of the meeting and notify other stakeholders of its publication. Within a month of the meeting, Fisheries Queensland will prepare meeting notes and circulate them to members, allowing 14 days for member comments before being finalised. Where required, action items will be followed up by Fisheries Queensland to seek to resolve them and any operational issues tabled by the working group ahead of the following meeting.
Sensitive information and non-disclosure
Some information that is sensitive in nature is provided to working group members to enable them to provide the best advice to Fisheries Queensland on the specific fishery. Given this, members may be asked to:
- exercise tact and discretion when dealing with sensitive issues. If a member is unsure or concerned about the disclosure to non-members, the member must seek advice from the Chair
- act honestly and exercise care and diligence in the discharge of their duties at all times and not make improper use of working group information. Improper use would be if a member gains an advantage either directly or indirectly (financial or otherwise) over another person or causes detriment to the working group’s work or to another person
- not publish or communicate to any person, who they are not authorised to publish or communicate to, any information that comes to their knowledge or possession because they are a member of the working group.
If sensitive information is used as part of a working group meeting, Fisheries Queensland will advise working group members to help them comply with these requirements.
Conflict of interest
A conflict of interest occurs when private interests interfere, or appear to interfere, with the performance of official duties. All members must perform their role/contribute in a fair and unbiased way, ensuring that decisions made are not impacted by self-interest, private affiliations, or the likelihood of gain or loss for them or others. Private interests include personal, professional or business interests, as well as the interests of individuals that you associate with, such as family, dependants and friends.
Conflicts of interest fall into three categories – actual (there is a direct conflict between your current duties and your existing private interests), potential (your role and private interests could conflict in the future) and perceived (it could appear that your private interests could improperly influence the performance of your role). Conflicts of interest can be pecuniary (if there is a reasonable likelihood of financial loss or gain) or non-pecuniary (if there is no financial component, but may involve self-interest, personal or family relationships or other affiliations).
All conflicts of interest (actual, potential and perceived) must first be identified and declared to the Chair. Steps can then be taken to appropriately manage and resolve the matter in the public interest. Having a conflict of interest alone is not considered misconduct. However, it is important that members are open about the conflict of interest, how the conflict of interest is managed and ensuring a conflict of interest is resolved in the public interest. Once reported, the meeting Chair will then make an assessment about what action, if any, is required to manage the conflict of interest. Members must actively participate in the process to manage or resolve conflicts of interest in the public interest and adhere to all agreed resolution strategies. If your circumstances change, you should consider whether this brings about any new conflicts of interest, or changes to an existing conflict of interest.
Sitting fees
Participation on the working groups is on a voluntary basis – no sitting fees will be paid.
Travel costs
Members are eligible to be reimbursed for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, including domestic travel and accommodation costs.
Membership
Fisheries Queensland appoints members to working groups. Unless notified and agreed, membership will be refreshed every two years to allow for rotation of different representatives and development of new industry leaders.
| Name | Representative | Sector |
|---|---|---|
| Peter Kind | Chair | Chair |
| John Dexter | Principal Fisheries manager | Fisheries management (Department of Agriculture and Fisheries) |
| Tim Lucas | Senior Fisheries manager | Fisheries management (Department of Agriculture and Fisheries) |
| Thomas Hart | Fisheries manager (freshwater) | Fisheries management (Department of Agriculture and Fisheries) |
| Christelle Legrand | Fisheries officer (freshwater) | Fisheries management (Department of Agriculture and Fisheries) |
| Paul Kuhn | Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol | Fisheries management (Department of Agriculture and Fisheries) |
| Andrew Norris | Fisheries scientist (Animal Science Queensland) | Research and science |
| Greg Ringwood | Research | Research and science |
| Kim Andersen | Charter fishing licence holders | Charter fishing |
| Bruce Gleeson | Commercial fishers | Harvest |
| Garry Fitzgerald | Conservation groups | Conservation |
| Peter Johnson | Conservation groups | Conservation |
| Christopher Delamont | Sunwater | Water operators |
| David Roberts | Seqwater | Water operators |
| Craig Cluff | Freshwater hatcheries and aquaculture | Aquaculture |
| John Loeskow | Freshwater aquaculture | Aquaculture |
| Nicole Whysall | Pest fish | Pest fish |
| Rodney Thompson | SIPS representative (souh) | Fish stocking |
| Ann Leighton | SIPS representative (north) | Fish stocking |
| Chris Joseph | Recreational fishers | Recreational fishers |
| Peter Delaforce | Recreational fishers | Recreational fishers |
| Ross Williamson | Recreational fisher | Recreational fishers |
| Stephen Vidler | Recreational fishers | Recreational fishers |
| Noel Frost | Recreational fishing clubs or organisations | Recreational fishers |
| Stephen Morgan | Recreational fishers | Recreational fishers |