March comment from Ben Collins, Editor Bush 'n Beach Fishing magazine
IT’S election time here in Queensland. Well almost, but due to our deadlines this is the best edition to cover election issues. Coincidently the election will be held on the Saturday of the upcoming Brisbane Tinnie and Tackle Show. Now it’s a sure bet that promises will be coming thick and fast in the lead up to voting.
We try to be apolitical, as everyone has their own issues and concerns, but it is certainly time for everyone who enjoys fishing to do a bit of thinking. Especially with what has been happening as far as recreational fishing goes and in what direction you want this state to head.
Obviously this is a major concern of mine, as I have been fishing since I was two. It is also the industry in which I and many other people work.
Recreational angling contributes huge amounts of cash to the State’s economy and we need to get some returns from our dollars.
Without taking into account boat and trailer registrations, the impact of the recreational sector on the economy through jobs, retail sales and tourism is staggering. Like most people I want fishing to be sustainable, but it also has to be accessible. And there needs to be good communication between the government and the key stakeholders, which are the recreational anglers.
Times have changed since I was young, and people’s attitudes towards fishing have definitely come a long way, and for the better.
However, we don’t want these changes to be taken too far by minority radicals who seem to want fishing to be a thing of the past.
Hence getting a balance is very important. On Page 5 you will find the statements and recreational fishing positions of three political parties, so have a read and make up your own mind.
As I mentioned the Tinnie and Tackle Show is on and Bush ‘n Beach Fishing will again be on Stand 140 with another fantastic subscription offer. So drop by and say hi to the team and grab yourself a good deal. The feature in this bumper edition outlines some of what’s on offer at the show which looks like being bigger than ever.
A massive amount of tackle will be on sale, with a whole pavilion dedicated to it, so get along and check it out. This is a great show with a good mix of things to see and do and includes the National 4X4 Show and Outdoors Expo, so set aside March 23-25. There will be heaps to keep the kids entertained as well as educational fishing talks from a field of experts.
See you there.
