- Deadline for structural adjustments extended
- More time for fishers to get independent advice
- Assistance package recommended by Future Fishing Taskforce
The Queensland Government has extended the deadline for commercial fishers impacted by Australian and Queensland Government moves to end gillnet fishing in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area to apply for licence buybacks and structural adjustment packages.
The assistance is part of a $185 million joint Commonwealth and Queensland Government package, which adopts all the recommendations made by the Future Fishing Taskforce.
Round 1 applications were due today but that deadline has been extended to April 30 to give fishers more time to gather the information and advice they need before applying.
The extension was put in place following feedback from industry.
Round 1 applies to holders of primary commercial fishing licences with an N1, N2 or N4 symbol and a C1, L1, L2, L3, N11, RQ, S, SM, T1, T2, T5, T6, T7, T8 or T9 symbol who want to surrender their licence or symbols.
A second round of payments will open on 17 May 2024 for holders of a primary commercial fishing licence without an N1, N2 or N4 symbol who want to surrender their licence or a C1, L1, L2, L3, N11, RQ, S, SM, T1, T2, T5, T6, T7, T8 or T9 symbol. Applications for the second round will close on June 30.
The closing date for applications has also been extended to June 30 for:
- a $3,000 grant for eligible fishers to seek independent advice
- quota and loss of income payments.
Fishers are urged not to delay and to contact QRIDA now to start the application process.
Other support and payments will be available later in the structural adjustment process for skippers and crew, supply chain businesses, other affected commercial fishers, gillnet buybacks and boat refits.
Free and confidential financial counselling services are available in southern Queensland or northern Queensland, or by calling 1300 771 741.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner:
"The structural adjustment packages and licence buybacks are a lot to weigh up for our commercial fishers and we want them to have access to independent financial advice when making these decisions about their businesses," Mr Furner said.
"We know there has been some feedback about delays in getting that advice so an extension to the closing dates makes sense.
"Fishers who have not yet applied for the $3000 grants so they can get independent advice should do so as soon as possible so they don't miss the new deadline."
