SENATOR THE HON. JONNO DUNIAM
ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR FORESTRY AND FISHERIES
ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR REGIONAL TOURISM
LIBERAL SENATOR FOR TASMANIA
THE HON. MICHELLE LANDRY MP
ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR NORTHERN AUSTRALIA
MEMBER FOR CAPRICORNIA
The LNP Government has committed $295,998 to Fitzroy Basin Authority in Capricornia under the Fisheries Habitat Restoration Program to assist in restoring the health and functionality of coastal and estuarine fisheries habitats.
Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said Fitzroy Basin Authority’s project to protect and enhance high value fish habitats across the Central Queensland coast is one of 28 projects across the country to share in $8 million of grant funding.
The ‘Protecting and enhancing high value fish habitats across central Queensland’s coast’ project will work to restore seagrass communities, considered to be critical fish habitat, that are declining due to habitat loss and degradation. This project will reduce threats to seagrass communities through removal of marine debris and assisting seagrass propagation in areas experiencing meadow loss. Works will be carried out in locations near Gladstone Harbour and North Keppel Island.
These areas were identified as suitable priority for restoration through Central Queensland University’s hydrodynamic modelling process. By actively engaging and involving University researchers, local recreational fishing groups and communities in this project we hope to increase our region’s awareness and stewardship for these essential, but often overlooked marine habitats, leading to more sustainable recreational use of marine areas throughout the Fitzroy region.
Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries Jonno Duniam said these projects would benefit recreational fishers by improving the health and productivity of habitats that support fish stocks and fisheries.
“Australia’s waterways are some of the best in the world,” Assistant Minister Duniam said.
“It’s critical we keep our fisheries habitats healthy so we can continue to enjoy our world-class fishing into the future.
“This program will benefit Australia’s natural resource base and the broader community – especially our recreational fishers.
“We will be funding 28 projects across New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australian and Tasmania.
“This funding will see Regional Land Partnership providers and recreational fishing groups partner in rolling-up their sleeves to directly improve fish habitats.
“Together, they will work on surrounding vegetation and biodiversity in marine and estuarine areas, from tropical mangrove wetlands in Queensland, to building shellfish reefs on Kangaroo Island and restoring fish habitat damaged by moorings in southern Tasmania.”
The Fisheries Habitat Restoration Program is a 2019 government election commitment to provide $8 million to restore the health and functionality of coastal and estuarine fisheries habitats.
