Queensland fishing culture is 'old school'

It's a subject of minor interest to Queensland's well-heeled city-set. But even politicians were startled and inspired by the small, nuggetty man in joggers and t-shirt who spoke at the State Library of Queensland last week.

Last Friday night, acclaimed Western Australian author Tim Winton held a hushed gathering of over 200 ocean wardens, art aficionados and Queensland politicians, spellbound.

Patron of the Australian Marine Conservation Society, Tim was asked to speak at their inaugural art auction. In his speach, Winton fearlessly weighed in on a tide of controversy, tackling well-known Queensland "cultural inertia" and partisan fishing industry notions, with particular regard to Moreton Bay zoning issues that in the last few weeks have sparked fierce debate.

Winton said much public comment had been mischievous.

"The widely held concept of 'no fishing' or 'no go zones' in Moreton Bay is an irrational meltdown, a strange conspiracy conceived by hard core extremists with endless demands."

"The Beattie government must stiffen its resolve against those who don't necessarily represent everyone's interests. This is not about the end of fishing [on Moreton Bay]. It is about logic. Only the pressure of logic can prevail against rank paranoia."

Winton was self-deprecating and refreshingly honest.

"I'm not on a sentimental mission. I've killed many marine species and I'm hard-wired to hunting and gathering. But I'm not a complete idiot,"he said.

"I read like anyone else, I have my eyes open like anyone else. And I have witnessed the steady decline of iconic [marine] species."

"90 per cent of big predatory fish are gone in the world's oceans. And industrial fleets are grinding away at the remainder".

Winton was baffled by Queensland fishing attitudes.

"This is a wealthy, stylish, enlightened state. I am puzzled by the local problems."

"What is it about fish that makes them shoot-able," he said.

"Why do conservationists become extremists while irresponsible, old vested interests are routine? That does not bring about mature debate, but it is depressingly familiar."

Beattie government state parliamentary secretary for the environment Michael Choi attended the Marine Art Auction. He said it was critical to resolve issues surrounding the Park's future.

"This event highlights the urgency to ensure the survival of a Queensland icon. The government is concerned about protecting the Bay. However, there are conflicting demands for use of Moreton Bay, and they need to be considered," he said.

Member for Indooroopilly and parliamentary secretary to the minister for communities Ronan Lee MP who also attended, did not mince words.

"We fish it, we kill it, we eat it, or we are sensible. This matter must be resolved fairly. There is no choice. We are exploiting a resource with no thought to consequence," he said.

Queensland Conservation Council secretary Simon Baltais said it was surprising how many Queenslanders had not visited Moreton Bay.

"So many people have not been to Moreton Bay. There are coral reefs and bottle-nosed dolphins, there is an amazing array of sea creatures. It"s different every day. Economically and socially it's worth billions," he said.

"But there are dangers. We could be loving it to death."

Contributed by Loretta Ranieri added 2007-08-27