Townsville's award-winning fish and chip shop Tobin Fish Tales has been named as Queensland's fifteenth #eatqld Champion.
Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said Tobin Fish Tales had been chosen for its long support of Queensland seafood and demonstrated excellence in preparing it.
"Tobin Fish Tales owners Andrew and Renae Tobin's passion for Queensland's internationally renowned seafood is unquestioned and, as someone who has enjoyed Tobin's seafood on several occasions, I can personally vouch for its taste and quality," Mr Stewart said.
"From fish selection to preparation, expertise, and knowledge, Andrew and Renae bring a unique skill set to their profession that sets them apart from most fish and chip shop owners.
"Both have doctorates in fisheries science, have been licenced Queensland commercial fishers for more than 20 years, and, as Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Reef Guardian Fishers, are committed to caring for the Great Barrier Reef and the fish they catch for consumers.
"Regular visitors to their North Ward shop know just how delicious their seafood is and that excellence was recognised in October 2019 when Tobin Fish Tales won the Australian Fish and Chips Awards."
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said every economy had been hit by the COVID-19 pandemic but agriculture and food production was playing a key role as the Palaszczuk Government implements Queensland's $8 billion plan for economic recovery.
"Andrew and Renae's example is truly inspirational as we unite and recover from the economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic," Mr Furner said.
"They will be fine ambassadors promoting Queensland's world of flavour from the state of delicious."
Tobin Fish Tales owners Andrew and Renae Tobin said being a #eatqld Champion provided a wonderful opportunity to continue their ethos of bringing a new dimension to the fish and chips experience.
"Our aim is to build the connection between the local commercial fishing industry and the community by telling the stories of the people who caught the fish," Dr Tobin said.
"We have found that customers respond very positively about having more information about their fish and where it comes from, so we combine high quality fresh, local seafood, with a wealth of knowledge about the seafood we offer.
"Being a #eatqld Champion certainly fits well with our goal of promoting quality, sustainable, local seafood and the industry that provides it."
Mr Furner said the Queensland Government's #eatqld campaign encouraged the community to eat local, stay healthy and support jobs in the state's agricultural sector.
"Our produce is second to none. We are urging everybody to explore Queensland-grown food and when you do, we ask that you take a photograph and share it online using the hashtag #eatqld," Mr Furner said.
"By eating Queensland-produced meat, seafood, fruit, nuts and veggies you support everybody that brings that food to your table."
Previous #eatqld Champions include Creek to Coast host Scott Hillier, Walkamin entrepreneur Krista Watkins, Bowen horticulturalist Carl Walker, and the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre's Executive Chef David Pugh.
To nominate someone as an #eatqld Champion, email
