The Morrison Government has committed $300,000 to the Fishers for Fish Habitats in the Maroochy River and Northern Moreton Bay Project to assist in restoring the health and functionality of coastal and estuarine fisheries habitats.
Member for Longman Terry Young said the project, under the Fisheries Habitat Restoration Program, is one of 28 projects across the country to share in $8 million of grant funding.
“This is a collaborative and strategic drive to improve the once-thriving fish stocks of the popular Maroochy River, Pumicestone Passage and Deception Bay waterways,” he said.
“It will enhance fish habitats through bank stabilisation and mangrove rehabilitation along Burpengary Creek and restore in-stream shellfish habitat in the Pumicestone Passage.
“The project will be delivered by Healthy Land and Water with support from Ozfish and local recreational fishers.”
Work will also be carried out in the Maroochy River canelands, Coolum Creek Wetlands, and Maroochy estuary.
Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries Jonno Duniam said these projects would benefit recreational fishers by improving the health and productivity of habitats that support fish stocks and fisheries.
“Australia’s waterways are some of the best in the world,” Assistant Minister Duniam said.
“It’s critical we keep our fisheries habitats healthy so we can continue to enjoy our world-class fishing into the future.
“This program will benefit Australia’s natural resource base and the broader community – especially our recreational fishers.
“We will be funding 28 projects across New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australian and Tasmania.
“This funding will see Regional Land Partnership providers and recreational fishing groups partner in rolling-up their sleeves to directly improve fish habitats.
“Together, they will work on surrounding vegetation and biodiversity in marine and estuarine areas, from tropical mangrove wetlands in Queensland, to building shellfish reefs on Kangaroo Island and restoring fish habitat damaged by moorings in southern Tasmania.”
The Fisheries Habitat Restoration Program is a 2019 government election commitment to provide $8 million to restore the health and functionality of coastal and estuarine fisheries habitats.