Sweetwater Fishing Forums

General Category => Polls => Topic started by: Editor on November 24, 2012, 05:20:58 PM

Title: Qld All Sweet Water Fishing Licence?
Post by: Editor on November 24, 2012, 05:20:58 PM
Please see below from FFSAQ

Do you think Qld should have an FRESH WATER FISHING LICENCE FOR ALL NON-TIDAL WATERS?


Quote
F F S A Q  INC.         
Freshwater Fishing and Stocking Association of Queensland Inc.
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24th November 2012
                                                                                                                                           
To:   All Stocking Groups


A Freshwater Fishing Licence   ???

As you would be aware there has been debate and discussion during the past year or so over the merits or otherwise of the introduction of a statewide recreational fishing licence.

During the March 2012 State Government election, no political party endorsed the implementation of such a licence.      Soon after the LNP was elected to Government, it asked Sunfish Queensland for criteria that Sunfish would accept if a proposal was forthcoming.     Sunfish Queensland  responded but the LNP advised it was no longer interested.      At the recent Sunfish Annual General Meeting, FFSAQ asked if Sunfish was going to pursue the introduction of a statewide fishing licence, but was informed that Sunfish has a current position of not considering a licence until asked to by Government.

The ramifications of the LNP budget savings and the subsequent impact that it has on recreational fishing has been significant.    The reduction of services and funding to the freshwater sector are well known.     

FFSAQ, at its recent meeting, discussed the current situation and considered possibilities that may resolve the dilemma  recreational fishing is now facing.     The thrust of opinion was that freshwater fishing requires an ongoing and reliable  funding source that is as far as possible independent of Government intervention.    Given that Sunfish Queensland is not interested in pursuing a statewide fishing licence, FFSAQ believes that the “freshwater sector” should now at least progress the discussion of considering the introduction of a “freshwater fishing licence” in Queensland as an option to overcome funding deficiencies.     Of course, there may be other and possibly more appropriate options, but if there are, let’s hear of them.

As with most concepts there are nearly always positives and negatives.     It is felt that the positives are fairly obvious, but the negatives certainly need to be addressed before committing to any licence system.        Criteria, such as, and including the following would need to be established:
•   All revenue raised from licence fees to be held in a separate Trust Account.
•   Criteria for the allocation of funds to be documented in legislative Regulation
•   An agreed administration fee to be set in legislative Regulation
•   A Board, with a majority of recreational industry membership, be appointed to administer the scheme

Before FFSAQ is to take this concept any further, it needs to have at least a majority of its membership in support.     Please keep in mind that at this stage it is only an idea and could wither on the vine.     It is up to you as members.      Remember however, and particularly those who are likely to oppose such a concept, there are two alternatives.    One is propose another concept entirely, or put up with the present situation of being duded by government. 

FFSAQ’s next scheduled meeting is set down for January the 19th January 2013.
It would be appreciated if you could forward your response by that date.      It is important that FFSAQ receives a clear view of your position, so please respond regardless of whether or not you agree or disagree with concept.

Looking forward to your thoughts.

Les Kowitz
FFSAQ Executive Officer.


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WE WILL FORWARD THE RESULTS OF THE POLL TO FFSAQ FOR THEIR CONSIDERATION AND ACTION
Title: Re: Qld All Sweet Water Fishing Licence?
Post by: Binder on November 24, 2012, 06:29:55 PM
As long as all funds went in to stocking.
IE No Govt 25% creamed off as per the SIP.
No funds diverted to fund organisations, (sunfish only interested in a licence fee so they can get the snouts in the trough)
None spent on infrastructure etc.

Why?
Because I dont think it would raise any more money than the current SIP. I believe virtually everyone in to fresh water fishing would be fishing one of the SIP waterways already.
Title: Re: Qld All Sweet Water Fishing Licence?
Post by: Junglefisher on November 25, 2012, 10:33:25 AM
As long as all funds went in to stocking.
IE No Govt 25% creamed off as per the SIP.
No funds diverted to fund organisations, (sunfish only interested in a licence fee so they can get the snouts in the trough)
None spent on infrastructure etc.

Why?
Because I dont think it would raise any more money than the current SIP. I believe virtually everyone in to fresh water fishing would be fishing one of the SIP waterways already.

Not me :)
I did buy a weekend pass earlier this year but that's my first one for about 4 years.
Title: Re: Qld All Sweet Water Fishing Licence?
Post by: takrat on May 23, 2013, 09:46:13 AM
IF there is talk of a fishing license of any sort it should a blanket license to cover both salt and fresh. Administration and disbursment of funds to be overseen by stakeholders rather than handed over to the pubic serice. You can't trust them run a choko vine over a dunny.
JD