As part of the ongoing post-flood recovery effort, the Newman Government and the Bundaberg Business Enterprise Centre (BEC) are
appointing an Industry Recovery Officer (IRO) to support the fisheries sector in Bundaberg.
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said he had pushed for the fishing industry to receive extra help after the natural disasters.
“The industry is crying out for assistance and the Newman Government is answering that call,” Mr Bennett said.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry John McVeigh said the new IRO would be based in Bundaberg and would focus on the local fishing industry which was seriously affected by flood damage to infrastructure and facilities.
“The IRO will be a primary point of contact for enterprises which need advice or guidance on accessing grants and loans to help their recovery,” Mr McVeigh said.
“The new appointee will work closely with local government and the local fisheries supply chain, including fishing boat operators and processors, to overcome obstacles and speed up recovery.”
Bundaberg BEC manager Peter Peterson said the organisation had more than 20 years’ experience working with all industries in the Wide Bay Burnett and was instrumental in initiating meetings with the fishing industries to analyse the impact of this year’s floods.
Mr Peterson said a number of local priorities had been identified including:
- returning the Burnett River to a safe state for fishing vessels
- redevelopment of infrastructure for commercial fishing, processing, recreational fishing, tourism and charter/cruising boat clubs; and
- economic and community renewal in the town reach precinct.
“Based in the BEC, the IRO will be well positioned to support government, industry and community initiatives to address these priorities. In turn, that work will support the recovery of the recreational fishing, tourism, seafood, commercial fishing and boating industries,” Mr Peterson said.
Queensland Seafood Industry Association executive officer Scott Wiseman applauded the initiative, confirming that local industry was struggling to recover and that quick action and support was urgently needed.
Member for Bundaberg Jack Dempsey also applauded the efforts to revitalise the region’s fishing industry.
“Our fishing industry has had a tough few years and needs all the support it can get. Having the support of someone to help them get back on their feet is just what our fishermen need,” Mr Dempsey said.
Mr McVeigh said 16 Industry Recovery Officers were already working with organisations in the areas hardest-hit by the floods earlier this year under a $1.5 million program jointly funded by State and Federal Governments, and the Queensland Farmers’ Federation.
“These officers have been a key point of contact for producers still getting their enterprises back up and running,” Mr McVeigh said.
The new fishing Industry Recovery Officer will be appointed as soon as possible. For information on flood assistance for primary producers visit www.daff.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23. For information on small business support visit www.business.qld.gov.au