Shadow Minister for Environment and Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett has slammed a plan by the Labor Government to close off large swathes of Queensland coastal waters to net fishing.
Mr Bennett said Labor’s proposed net fishing bans were based on ideology, not science.
“There’s no evidence that this is anything but an ideological view to payback green votes,” he said.
“I think this is policy on the run introduced by an inexperienced government.”
He said the net fishing bans would force hundreds of commercial fishers out of business and encourage an increase in imported seafood.
“These bans will not only put the livelihoods of fishers and families at risk, but compromise consumers’ access to clean and safe seafood from Queensland waterways,” he said.
“We all need to be very conscious about where our seafood is coming from.”
Mr Bennett said the Labor Government had been dishonest with the people of Queensland and failed to consult with key stakeholders prior to the state election.
Mr Bennett urged people to sign a petition against the ban, available at his office.
[ENDS] 18 March 2015