Future Fishing structural adjustment

Background

In 2023, the Australian and Queensland governments:

• announced a package to phase out gillnet fishing in the Great Barrier Reef by mid-2027 and transition to more sustainable fishing practices
• committed to maintaining the Great Barrier Reef as a World Heritage area, considered 'not in danger'.

The Queensland Government accepted the Future Fishing Taskforce recommendations regarding the distribution of a $185 million federal–state government joint package:

• $125 million to:
  • phase out gillnets on the Great Barrier Reef (GBR)
  • implement the Great Sandy Marine Park rezoning
  • increase protection from gillnet impacts in the Gulf of Carpentaria
  • support regional economies, and invest in aquaculture and tourism industries.
• $60 million to:
  • implement independent data validation
  • further reduce bycatch in high-risk fisheries.

Temporary NX fishery symbol

As part of transitional arrangements for commercial fishers, the Queensland Government issued a limited number of NX gillnet fishery symbols for the GBR region. This symbol will expire on 30 June 2027 and has several operational conditions.

New N15 fishery symbol

A new N15 symbol has replaced the N1 gillnet fishery symbol for operations south of the GBR in management region 5. It will operate as per the previous N1 arrangements, and the take of barramundi will be permitted.

Industry support

Since December 2023, 3 stages of structural adjustment payments and other support have been made available for affected licence holders, skippers and crew, and supply chain businesses.

This support includes:

• grants to obtain financial and legal advice
• fishery symbol, licence and quota buybacks
• loss of income payments
• reskilling
• net buyback
• boat refit grants
• supply chain business grants.

Additional targeted support is also available.

Small business support

Access free services to support your small business:

• Find a small business financial counsellor near you.
• Learn about the mentoring and growth programs.
• Engage a small business wellness coach.

Rural Financial Counselling Service

• Access free financial counselling if you are experiencing, or at risk of, financial hardship.
• Visit the southern Queensland or northern Queensland directory to find a counsellor in your area.

Stay Afloat

• We acknowledge the difficulties the commercial fishing industry is facing.
• We have partnered with Stay Afloat to provide confidential mental health support and advice.

Contact us

Email fisheriesmanagers@dpi.qld.gov.au