ACTION NEEDED ON FUEL DISTRIBUTION AND PRICES FOR FISHING INDUSTRY

QUEENSLAND’S peak fishing industry body has called for immediate action on the distribution and price of fuel.

Governments have been warned fishing-vessel owners could go broke if forced to tie up for extended periods or pay more for their fuel than the catch is worth.

Queensland Seafood Industry Association (QSIA) CEO David Bobbermen said fishermen in a number of ports have reported that fuel is unavailable.

In other ports, where fuel is still being supplied, prices are making it uneconomic to fill up and put back out to sea.

“This has all the indicators of a crisis for the fishing industry,” Mr Bobbermen said. “Urgent action is needed to ensure fuel is available at a price that allows businesses like fishing, farming and transport to keep working.

“We need to see guaranteed supply and price relief. Arrangements are already in place to return fuel tax to vessel-owners and that could be adapted to maintain an economic price for diesel in particular.”

Mr Bobbermen said fishermen had reported fuel shortages in a number of ports throughout the State.

“Mooloolaba is one of the largest fishing ports in Queensland, particularly for prawn trawling and tuna longlining, and operators there are telling me fuel is just not available, and boats can’t leave the wharf. I’ve had similar reports from as far away as Ingham and elsewhere in North Queensland, and everywhere prices have jumped by 40 cents or more.

“This is a serious situation right now and experienced fishermen are saying it’s the worst situation they’ve seen with fuel, even worse than the Iraq War more than 20 years ago.

“We need to talk urgently with the Federal Government about fuel distribution and price relief to keep the industry afloat, and avoid a crisis for fishing businesses and other primary producers.”

Further information:

David Bobbermen
Tel 0417 631 353

Email eo@qsia.com.au