Fisherman may need to seek assistance from the Queensland Government following a second blow to industry operations in the State’s North.
Mr Michael Gardner, President of the Queensland Seafood Industry Association (QSIA) said the disruption caused by Cyclone Ului will hit some fisherman hard.
“Catches of reef fish have already been down 30% because the on going impacts of Cyclone Hamish last year.” Now Cyclone Ului means a double whammy for fisherman in the Whitsunday’s region,” Mr Gardner said.
“At a time when incomes were seriously impacted already, they have suffered a second blow by not being able to work for weeks with the extreme weather associated with the Cyclone.
“While the physical damage to fishing vessels and facilities thankfully is minimal, the financial damage from lost fishing time will be substantial.
“We understand the Government has announced that assistance is available for Primary Producers (including fisheries) affected by Cyclone Ului as defined under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).
“When fisherman can’t catch fish it hurts seafood processors and marketers and suppliers of relation goods and services, so there are wide ranging economic impacts to regional communities. We are already in discussions with Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries about this and we will work with the Qld Government to insure Fisherman and other Seafood Businesses receive assistance where ever possible.”
