What’s happening?
The Queensland Government is calling for expressions of interest from stakeholders to join fishery working groups.
These groups provide operational advice on the management of Queensland’s fisheries and support engagement with a broad range of stakeholders.
Department of Primary Industries Deputy Director-General, Fisheries and Forestry, Pauline Jacob, said the department was seeking a balanced group of representatives.
This includes coverage across geographic areas, stakeholder interests, gender and knowledge of different species, fishing methods and fishery risks.
“This is a real opportunity for Queenslanders to play a vital role in the sustainable management of our fisheries, so they continue to grow and thrive,” Ms Jacob said.
“We are looking for people to join 11 working groups, including commercial and recreational fishers, charter operators, seafood marketers and processors, conservation representatives and First Nations peoples.
“While these working groups are not decision-making bodies, we rely on the advice of these groups to improve community engagement, prioritisation and our own decision-making,” she said.
Why it matters
Fishery working groups help guide how Queensland’s fisheries are managed.
The advice provided supports engagement with industry and community stakeholders.
The groups also help ensure fisheries are managed appropriately and effectively now and into the future.
By the numbers
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Eleven working groups are being formed by the Queensland Government to provide operational advice on the management of the state’s fisheries.
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A wide range of stakeholders is being sought to participate, including commercial fishers, recreational fishers, charter operators, seafood marketers and processors, conservation representatives and First Nations peoples.
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Applications close at 5 pm on Tuesday, 31 March 2026, which is the deadline for nominations to join the fishery working groups.
Zoom in
The working groups play an advisory role in fisheries management.
Their input helps the Department of Primary Industries strengthen community engagement and improve prioritisation within the sector.
Although they do not make decisions, their advice supports government decision-making processes.
Zoom out
Queensland’s fisheries sector involves a wide range of participants, including industry operators and community stakeholders.
Advisory groups such as these provide a structured way for those voices to be heard in fisheries management.
Local impact
Queenslanders involved in the fishing and seafood industries have the chance to contribute directly to discussions about fisheries management.
Participation allows stakeholders to share knowledge, experience and perspectives from across the sector.
What to look for next
Applications to join the fishery working groups close at 5 pm on Tuesday, 31 March 2026.
Guidelines, terms of reference and the nomination form are available through the Fisheries Queensland engagement portal.