A state-of-the-art new boat shed for a group that oversees commercial and recreational boating and fishing has been unveiled.
The $1 million Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) base at Russell Street, Noosaville, will help bolster marine protection and enforcement on waterways around Noosa.
The facility will house four QBFP officers and can store the fleet’s largest trailable rigid hull vessel, which also supports marine mammal rescues and the Shark Control Program.
Fisheries Queensland director Mark Doohan said the facilities would help the QBFP expand its reach in the area.
“The opening of this new boat shed and the refurbished administration building in Noosa is a critical step in ensuring our officers can continue to deliver education and enforcement services in the region,” he said.
“These upgrades will enable the QBFP to meet its compliance needs across a broader geographical area, pushing our presence further north and further seaward.
“The combined value of commercial and recreational fishing, as well as charter fishing and aquaculture, in Queensland is worth close to $1 billion to the economy.”
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said the base would help protect local waterways.
“The Miles Government’s $1 million investment in this facility demonstrates our commitment to maintaining Queensland’s marine environment and supporting the safety and sustainability of our fisheries,” he said.
“The Noosa region is home to important commercial fisheries, including trawl, spanish mackerel line, net fisheries such as beach seine for mullet, mesh net and line fisheries for species like snapper, pearl perch, and other rocky reef species.”
State Member for Noosa Sandy Bolton said the original building was established in the 1960s.
“This ‘amended’ new shed will assist our fisheries staff with their existing operations, including conducting boating safety inspections on behalf of Maritime Safety Queensland on our Noosa River,” she said.
“Thank you to the minister for agreeing to make amendments to the building to address community concerns and the Noosa Plan.
“This has been greatly appreciated by residents, and it is excellent to see it finally open and operational.”
The boat shed is a base for operations from Kauri Creek in the Great Sandy Strait, south to Peregian Beach and west to Gympie and Imbil.
“Especially good is that we have this team based right here in Noosa,” Ms Bolton said.
“Gratitude to all including our teams from Fisheries Queensland and residents for their patience.”
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