New QBFP facility boosts marine protection in Noosa

The Qld Miles Government has delivered a $1 million state-of-the-art boat shed and office complex for the Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) in Noosa, bolstering marine protection and enforcement.

Queensland Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner MP, and Member for Noosa Sandy Bolton MP.

It serves as the base for four QBFP officers, overseeing both commercial and recreational fishing.

This unique facility can store the largest trailable Rigid Hull vessel in the fleet, supporting marine mammal rescues and the Shark Control Program, as well as providing quick access to waterways around the Noosa Shire.

This investment in Fisheries Queensland stands in stark contrast to the cuts of the Newman-Crisafulli LNP Government, who gutted the service by cutting 28 per cent of staff.

QBFP District Officer Vaughan Heath (left) and GBFP District Manager Brett Depper (right)

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Minister for Regional Communities Mark Furner said “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.

“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.

“The Miles Government invests in agriculture and fisheries and supports jobs across the sector, meanwhile the previous Newman-Crisafulli LNP Government cut 28 per cent of Fisheries Queensland staff.”

Mark Doohan, Fisheries Queensland Director said “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.

“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.”