Boat Fishing for Family Food Allowed in Queensland - Government Statement
Media Statement from Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads The Honourable Mark Bailey 4.42pm Tuesday, March 31, 2020
Fishing and essential boat use to continue
Queensland boaties can still take their boats out locally to fish or travel for essential reasons.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey clarified the rules for boaties as the evolving COVID-19 response restricted a range of activities.
“If you own a boat and want to head out in the water in your local community to fish for food this weekend, you can,” Mr Bailey said.
“If you need your boat to travel locally in your community, you can still do that.
“If you want to head out on your kayak or stand up paddle board for exercise, you still can.
“State Government boat ramps will remain open to boaties.
“We want people to continue living their lives as normally as possible under the current circumstances, but the advice of the Chief Health Officer needs to be followed.
“No one should be leaving their home unless it’s absolutely necessary.”
Mr Bailey said recent national directives limiting public gatherings to two people or less and limiting travel to essential purposes still applied.
“This isn’t a special rule to let people out on the water for non-essential reasons this weekend,” Mr Bailey said.
“There’s no reason for anyone to be taking the boat out unless it’s for essential travel to get to work, to and from your home, to local shops for provisions or catching fish for your family.
“Even then, there should be no more than two people, or immediate family members on board, and the social distancing rules everyone is being asked to follow still apply.
“Boaties should also be mindful of hygiene when putting boats in the water at public facilities.”
Mr Bailey encouraged boaties to continue monitoring the national health advice on COVID-19.
“As the nation works together to stop the spread of the virus, there is new advice daily.
“Boaties should be aware of the current restrictions on boat use, and be prepared for that advice to change again, should tougher rules to limit public movements and interaction come in.”
Hopefully the Western Australian government will issue a statement that clarifies its position in relation to this matter. There has been recent heated debate on this site with valid arguments on both sides and it would be good to have a defined position, whatever it may be.
Ability is what you are capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it - LH.
Curndog
Posts: 449
Date Joined: 21/11/16
Thanks for posting that
Thanks for posting that mick. I won’t elaborate or il be crucified for either way I go. Facewrecked
Swompa
Posts: 3880
Date Joined: 14/10/12
Spot on!
Spot on!
little johnny
Posts: 5359
Date Joined: 04/12/11
Wish footy
Was on.
big john
Posts: 8749
Date Joined: 20/07/06
Hahahaha
Nice work LJ!
WA based manufacturer and supplier of premium leadhead jigs, fligs, bucktail jigs, 'bulletproof' soft plastic jig heads and XOS bullet jig heads.
Jigs available online in my web store!
Mulie
Posts: 546
Date Joined: 20/02/11
Good year for me. Freo will
Good year for me. Freo will only lose one game.
Mulie
Deckie
Posts: 1296
Date Joined: 03/04/09
Depends.
Depends on wether your a glass half full or half empty kinda guy.
Could also mean they go through the season winless......
Cheers & Stay safe
Faulkner Family
Posts: 18026
Date Joined: 11/03/08
they said on the news footy
they said on the news footy will restart in august
RUSS and SANDY. A family that fishes together stays together
Swompa
Posts: 3880
Date Joined: 14/10/12
Which news? Channel 7
Which news?
Channel 7 headline writers must being so many blisters on their dicks as they come up with attention grabbing headlines.
Mick C
Posts: 607
Date Joined: 26/12/13
Premier's Office to Recfishwest
Response from Mark McGowan's office regarding Recfishwest question on recreational fishing. No definitive statement, but the intent is very clear.
“To protect our community and reduce the spread of COVID-19, we’ve introduced restrictions that limit both indoor and outdoor non-work gatherings to two persons only. Western Australians should follow four simple guidelines. That is, everyone should be staying home unless for:
"We urge all Western Australians to practice common-sense and cease non-essential activity. Where possible, we encourage recreational fishers to stay home for now. We thank all Western Australians for their understanding during this time.”
Ability is what you are capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it - LH.
Alan James
Posts: 2223
Date Joined: 30/06/09
...
Mick I agree the intent is clear as it has been from day one.
The WA Gov has no balls and doesn't wish to upset people by making a mandatory statement. They are sitting on the fence hoping it doesn't cost them votes.
Skull
Posts: 630
Date Joined: 03/01/12
Cock on
None of them are prepared to put their cock on the block and categorically say that recreational fishing is banned, and that is even if you can maintain social distancing, stay in your own region, only go solo or with 1 family member.
My question now is
How come Horse Racing, Pacing and Greyhounds are still going?
The premier has closed the borders or has he? so many exemptions, and I agree with most, however there is a ship in the port of Freo which refuses to leave
Who is running the state?
Quite frankly getting a little bit sick of the non commitment.
Skull
sea-kem
Posts: 14972
Date Joined: 30/11/09
That part about horse racing
That part about horse racing etc has got me too mate, someone from their industry on the radio the other upselling how stringent their guidlines are in respect to Covid are. What a crock of shit, lot of people in close contact in the racing industry. My bank balance would look better if they shut the punt down....
The ship though comes under federal juristriction so that's literally Scomo's call. They can't legally board it though being a foreign flagged vessel. It's in the too hard basket.
Love the West!
Alan James
Posts: 2223
Date Joined: 30/06/09
Ship at Freo
Very happy to stand corrected but I thought the Fremantle Port was controlled by the WA Gov. Sure there are federal compliances such as quarantine, immigration etc that need to be considered however the decision whether a vessel remains in Port would I think comes down to the Harbourmaster. If the vessel is safe to sail then the Harbourmaster can make that call. I don't believe the decision for the vessel to remain in Port is the vessel's owners as the media would have us think. WA Gov again not prepared to make a call?
sea-kem
Posts: 14972
Date Joined: 30/11/09
You are right Alan to a
You are right Alan to a point, The Port is controlled by WA Gov. The thing is they can make as many calls as the like as the premier has done but if that Captain wants to sit tight he can. They can't be forcefully made to leave as I mentioned as they are a foreign flagged vessel. But our countries border controls including shipping come under the jurisdiction of Federal border control. Looks like buck passing to me..... too hard basket. But let's not forget the humanitarian aspect.
Love the West!
little johnny
Posts: 5359
Date Joined: 04/12/11
Cheers mick
.
Skull
Posts: 630
Date Joined: 03/01/12
Full Message
Here is the full message from Recfish interpret it as you will,
In one breath telling you that you shouldn't go fishing unless it is essential
and then saying to go down to your local tackle shop and spend your money because thay need your help, WTF I have more chance of getting the virus here than fishing with a family member in my region maintaining social distancing etc etc etc
We hope you and your families are well and keeping safe during these challenging times.
Following the Government’s recent announcement about everyone needing to stay at home unless for essential reasons, we have asked the Premier’s Office to clarify how this new advice applies to recreational fishing.
This morning we received the following statement directly from the Premier’s Office:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“To protect our community and reduce the spread of COVID-19, we’ve introduced restrictions that limit both indoor and outdoor non-work gatherings to two persons only. Western Australians should follow four simple guidelines. That is, everyone should be staying home unless for:
"We urge all Western Australians to practice common-sense and cease non-essential activity. Where possible, we encourage recreational fishers to stay home for now. We thank all Western Australians for their understanding during this time.”
Pulling together to get through to the other side--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
These are exceptional times, in WA we are in a Declared State of Emergency and we all need to pull together and play a role to get through this to the other side, when fishing will be more important than ever in boosting people’s mental health and wellbeing, as well as the regional and State economies.
Recfishwest understands people wanting to go fishing at what is a very challenging time for the benefit of their mental health and wellbeing and to get a feed for their family – and it’s not our role to tell people what they can or can’t do. However, this advice is very clear – you should stay in your homes to protect yourself against infection from COVID-19 and from potentially spreading the disease unless for essential activities.
So, we advise recfishers to think very carefully if it is essential for you to go fishing and to be safe and be responsible for your own wellbeing, your families' and that of the community as a whole.
We encourage recfishers to use this time to prepare and plan for their fishing trips when we are all able to wet a line once again. Use the time to stock up on those bits of gear in preparation for when you can fish again – and make sure you buy your fishing gear from your local tackle suppliers, they’re doing it really tough now and consider retaining any charter fishing bookings for the future to help support the charter industry.
Start planning future family and fishing holidays in the regions – they will need every domestic tourism dollar they can get once we can all get up and running again after this crisis.
The sooner we can pull through this together as a community the sooner we can all get back out there fishing.
Skull
Trailcraft570
Posts: 124
Date Joined: 06/11/13
quadfisher
Posts: 1146
Date Joined: 28/09/10
Moral times?
Mines gathering dust like most boats atm ,,, 20 trailers at woodies this morning when im out for legal dog walk.
So its the old do the rightly or do your own thing.
I think this issue needs a proper response from govt , either lay down a Qld style decree to allow sensible activity within the new rules or shut all ramps
with fines and barriers, putting it to bed once and for all .
A couple have said wow there risking fines but are they ? we have fines for not self isolating , not social distancing and trying to travel thru regions
without a lawful excuse , but the rest is advise and pleading , so some will always push the evelope.
Be interesting to see what happens if the salmon schools hit perth in the next few weeks ,,,,,, would you head down your local beach
for exercise and take a rod ?....................................... fishing and the outdoors is so who we are as a community that i admit is hard to leave.
quadfisher
Jim
Posts: 1335
Date Joined: 05/05/06
Too hard for the state and
Too hard for the state and fed govts to do a daily broadcast on all channels to keep us in the loop.
Bend over
Jim
Posts: 1335
Date Joined: 05/05/06
My wife said they do I just
My wife said they do I just don't watch tv. Scratch that last post.
Bend over
Mick C
Posts: 607
Date Joined: 26/12/13
Latest DoT Advice
Below is the current response from the Department of Transport to frequently asked questions (current as at 6.18pm Friday 3 April 2020). Still well and truly "on the fence", but the intent is again very clear.
See below common questions about recreational boating during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
The following information is provided to the State’s 100,000 recreational boat owners and others who enjoy the State’s waterways using other craft.
Can I go boating?We recommend if you don’t need to go out on your boat, then please don’t. Non-essential activities should be postponed or cancelled.
Please view State Government Directions on gatherings and social distancing.
Is there a ban on boating?No, there has been no direction to prohibit people from going boating - but you should stay at home if the planned activity is non-essential.
Can I go kiteboarding, windsurfing, kayaking or take out my paddle craft?Advice from the Federal and State Government is to stay at home unless shopping for food, going to work, exercising or attending a medical appointment. If you consider kayaking or paddling essential as a form of exercise, you should follow social distancing directions.
If boating is an essential activity, possibly for fishing or exercise, what do I need to remember?The two-person rule applies unless you are boating with members of your family or those you live with. If boating with one person that you do not reside with, ensure you maintain social distancing (at least 1.5 metres apart). Use hand sanitiser where there is any contact with shared surfaces. If you are boating alone, please ensure you tell someone where you are going, check the weather and wear a lifejacket.
Should I do anything different at the launch ramp?Wait your turn at the ramp and if there are two lanes, only use one to ensure social distancing. Do the same on your return to the ramp when retrieving your boat from the water. Remember to maintain social distancing and personal hygiene at all times.
Are there restrictions on where I can go boating?Skippers should be aware of the current notices to mariners, including those in place restricting access to Rottnest Island. There are also restrictions preventing vessels crossing regional boundaries.
Can I buy fuel for my boat and other essentials?Yes. However, in line with Government advice, you should stay at home unless shopping for food, going to work, exercising or attending a medical appointment.
Can I do maintenance on my boat at a marina?Check with marina staff at the facility before going.
Are DoT maritime facilities open?Yes. However, in line with Government advice, if your visit is not essential, please reconsider your need to attend.
Will there be a pause on boat registrations?No. DoT continues to process recreational boat registrations.
Ability is what you are capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it - LH.
Mark_M
Posts: 177
Date Joined: 10/04/15
RecFishWest response
https://recfishwest.org.au/news/recfishing-and-covid-19-your-questions-answered/?fbclid=IwAR0TCLWJnTBqqnjfzy_HWtmNyKgT0pYy2sKJYFCLUctc1GVpRHwuY6ANbQ4
and DOT
https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/aboutus/covid-19-faqs.asp
SeperateKnob
Posts: 668
Date Joined: 28/11/16
No change for wa. Still
No change for wa. Still states if it’s essential to go boat fishing for exercise or wellbeing it’s permissible
Mick C
Posts: 607
Date Joined: 26/12/13
Latest Recfishwest Correspondence
Easter is normally a time when we all like to go and wet a line - for many families it is a time to teach children to catch herring or try their luck chasing salmon, while for others it is simply an opportunity to relax on a beach soaking a bait.
However, these are not normal times and we all need to play our part in keeping ourselves, our families safe and in preventing the spread of COVID-19 in our community. Because we are all passionate fishers too, we completely understand many of you will want to go fishing now for its mental health and wellbeing benefits and to put a meal on your table for you and your families. But we urge you to follow Government guidelines and honestly ask yourself if it is essential that you go fishing, and if not stay at home. Fishing hasn’t been banned in WA yet, but if over Easter the beaches and boat ramps are packed with fishers ignoring social distancing rules, there is a chance the Government will be forced to ban fishing – and no one wants that.
If you do decide to go fishing – then we urge you to keep yourself safe and do what you can to limit the risk of being infected with COVID-19 and spreading it in the community. Also just a reminder that interregional travel has been banned by the Government – so make sure you stay in your region over Easter. If you’re unsure if you can or can’t go fishing, and/or for more information about minimising infection risk if you choose to fish – check out our COVID-19 – your questions answered page here.
Of course everyone likes a feed of seafood at Easter, so if you're looking for some innovative ways to cook up those dhuie or mackie fillets left over in your freezer - the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation has produced this free Fish, Fresh and Frozen cookbook available for download.
Reaching out for support
We have also heard from many of you, how tough you are doing it right now – those who have lost their jobs or are facing redundancy, those who are battling to keep their businesses open and those worried about older members of their families and those with underlying health conditions vulnerable to COVID-19. Over the coming weeks, we will be reaching out to the recfishing community and tackle industry to find out how we can best support you. Given that fishing with our mates will be on pause for a while, we encourage you to reach out and check in with each other. Fishing chat, banter, social and club catch-ups can continue through social media and virtual meeting technology. You can also check out our web page here with some resources that can provide mental health and business support during this crisis and please do drop us a line if you need info or support.
Buy local – support your local tackle dealer and charter operator
WA industries doing it tough right now include the local fishing tackle industry and the charter fishing sector.
We urge you to stock up on your fishing gear now by buying from your local tackle dealer. While tackle stores remain open, it’s good to see they have been finding innovative ways to look after their customers and the community. Some stores have opted to serve customers directly at the front door while maintain social distancing rather than risk multiple people walking through the shop. While others have implemented a ‘drive through’ type system where fishers can call ahead to place an order which is delivered directly to their car boot once at the store.
Online shopping is a fantastic option with many local tackle stores now offering a wide range of products at the click of a mouse. Many regional stores have begun a delivery service to local areas, ensuring contactless transactions all while providing the same friendly service that customers have come to expect. Give your local tackle store a call to see what they can do – they will really appreciate your call and your business. Also consider retaining any charter fishing bookings for the future to help support the charter industry – they also need our support right now.
We wish all of you and your families a good and healthy Easter and we look forward to when we can all get out there and wet a line again restrictions-free when we’ll need fishing more than ever!
Ability is what you are capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it - LH.
Jim
Posts: 1335
Date Joined: 05/05/06
We can expect the beaches
We can expect the beaches closed because I cannot see people staying away from the foreshore in rockingham this easter and every idiot will be out and about. Point peron down to one ramp which should add to the madness.
Bend over