By MEGAN OGLE
LABOR candidate for Wide Bay Lucy Stanton has hit out at commercial fishermen after a heated confrontation on Noosa’s North Shore.
Flanked by local media, Ms Stanton confronted local fishermen on Friday 24 June over concerns for the environment and “lawless” behaviour, making claims of illegal camping and unlawful firing of weapons by commercial fishermen.
“As the mullet netting season on Noosa North Shore has gotten underway, I have been made aware of lawless behaviour going on and a worrying disrespect for this region’s beautiful environment,” Ms Stanton said.
“Residents have reported automatic gunfire at night during this latest episode of worrying behaviour on the part of (commercial fishermen).
“Their actions are having the effect of scaring away the public from observing what they are doing on Noosa North Shore.
“A number of reports have reached me of the commercial netters camping illegally on Noosa North Shore for all of this month.
“Their complete disregard for regulations is a serious concern for all of us. As far as these netters are concerned, this is their beach, their resource and they answer to no one.”
Retired local fourth generation commercial fisher Trevor Clarey responded to Ms Stanton’s claims, saying they were “ridiculous”.
“Ms Stanton should have come to speak with us before taking the media to the beach and publicly making these claims,” Mr Clarey said.
“The owning and using of weapons is unlawful, and has been since the introduction of gun control. If it is commercial fishermen, then they should be prosecuted by law for owning and using the weapon. I’m not defending them, should that have happened over there, but it’s absolutely unlikely.
“They will be wanting to do this every winter, because it’s good fishing there, so they’re not going to do anything to jeopardise that.”
Mr Clarey said claims made by Ms Stanton that ice was not available on the beach for the freshly caught seafood were “rubbish”.
“If you go to the carpark at the first cutting, then you’ll see the big trucks are there loaded with ice,” Mr Clarey said.
“If fishermen don’t take care of their product, they won’t be able to sell it. We’re business people; we want the best price for our product.”
Mr Clarey said banning commercial fishing isn’t the answer, but more regulations are needed along Noosa North Shore.
“For a very long time, the fishery has had its problems over there, and it always will when local fishermen are not over there,” Mr Clarey said.
“I have pushed until I’m blue in the face when it’s only local, rate-paying residents of Noosa Shire, who can obtain a permit to work on the beach over there.
“Our problem is it’s Main Roads who control Noosa North Shore, and that’s our problem to getting the restriction like all other beaches.”
“We do want better management over there, to close it off is a nonsense.”
