The Member for Whitsunday, Amanda Camm MP, is calling on the Queensland Government to provide certainty to the Spanish Mackerel fishing industry.

 “The Queensland Government has resisted calls to open consultation about the future of the Spanish mackerel fishery.

 “After pressure from the LNP Opposition, commercial and recreation fishers will have the opportunity for their voice to be heard.

 “The admission by Minister Furner that he got it wrong follows increased pressure on the State Government to detail information surrounding stock assessments and data collection.

 “It also follows claims of flawed data collection and significant public backlash.

 “The Palaszczuk Labor Government must collect data that is published in an open and transparent manner.

 “This has the potential to deem family commercial fishing businesses unviable and also impacts the local fish n chip family businesses. Spanish Mackerel is the most affordable quality fish.

 “The community will soon be able to provide input into the consultation which will open in April 2022 for 28 days, following the draft harvest strategy and discussion paper released online.

 “I will continue to fight for transparency and openness on behalf of the Whitsundays who deserve better.