JOLENE OGLE
Stop pillaging our lakes: that’s the message from Lake Cooroibah resident Brian Williams to commercial netters who, he says, are devastating the environment.
Mr Williams, whose property backs onto Lake Cooroibah, said he has seen commercial netters “pillaging” the lake daily, using 800 meter long nets to scrape the shallow lake, leaving the eco-system in disrepair.
“Where are the fish? This lake should be teaming with fish, crabs and rays. But there is nothing,” Mr Williams said.
“Where are the birds? There are no birds because there is nothing for them to fish.
“I have witnessed these commercial netters take everything they can lay their hands on for pet food and bait.”
Mr Williams said the community needs to take a stand to stop the devastation and is asking local residents to join the fight to save Lake Cooroibah.
“People power is what it takes,” he said.
Mr Williams’ comments came as the State Government announced the terms of reference in the fisheries management review.
Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister John McVeigh said the review was aimed at simplifying fisheries management, cutting red tape and improving environmental sustainability, and will cover all aspects of commercial, recreational and traditional fishing.
Mr McVeigh said the review will be headed by an independent specialist to ensure transparency, with a Ministerial advisory committee made up of people who represent the diverse fisheries interests in Queensland.
Mr McVeigh said the community can provide feedback throughout the review, once the independent specialist has been appointed.
