Australia: Moreton Bay to Get Artificial Reef

Recreational fishers will have a new place to drop their lines, with the creation of a 20 hectare artificial reef off Scarborough in the Moreton Bay Marine Park.

National Parks Minister Steve Dickson said it was part of the Government’s $50 million Marine Infrastructure Fund and would boost tourism and the local economy as promised at the election.

“This truly is a top spot for fishing, and a new artificial reef will enhance this wonderful recreational activity and tourism opportunity,” Mr Dickson said.

“We’ve dedicated $250,000 towards the project on the Western side of the bay, where local anglers said there was a real need.

“It will be made of environmentally suitable, stable and long lasting materials, and support a variety of activities from spear fishing to game fishing.”

Mr Dickson made the announcement after the Government decided not to proceed with a proposal to allow limited recreational fishing in the existing Scotts Point ‘green zone’ area.

“Under the proposal, single-line recreational fishing would have been allowed from the shoreline,” he said.

Moreton Bay Regional Council Mayor Allan Sutherland applauded the move.

“Most of the reefs are on the Southern or Eastern side, so this new artificial reef is a common-sense approach which will improve safety by allowing anglers to be closer to refuges and boat ramps,” Mr Sutherland said.

“The reef will be a fitting tribute to someone that virtually dedicated his life to recreational fishing on behalf of all Queenslanders.”

Mr Dickson said there were no current plans to change any other green zone boundaries.

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Press Release, May 9, 2014