The Queensland Fishing Industry is at a critical point where, due to a number of circumstances, it no longer has an effective peak organisation to represent the interests of industry at large. The situation has become untenable from the viewpoint of industry trying to deal with ever increasing changes in the regulatory and marketing arenas.

Furthermore, industry needs a body to respond to increasing demands from various NGOs continually raising sustainability issues.
It is considered that the creation of a peak body to represent all sectors of the fishing industry within the State would be an effective method for industry to achieve positive outcomes through a consultative approach with fishery policy makers and other NGOs.
It should be noted that the current State Government is supportive of the concept as they are experiencing great difficulty in discussing issues with industry stakeholders whilst it remains in its current disjointed form.

To commence the process of forming a peak industry body, there is a need to get input from a wide range of industry to discuss potential peak body structures and funding options and consider possible strategies/processes in creating a peak body. It is proposed that an independent consultant (with background industry knowledge) be used to liaise with stakeholders throughout the State regarding the concept of a peak body.