Foreign vessels raiding northern waters

Shadow Minister for Northern Australia, Senator Susan McDonald (pictured), has called on State and Federal Labor Governments to outline how – and how quickly – they plan to address reports of foreignowned fishing vessels raiding Torres Strait waters for seafood and crowding out local fishers.

She said Torres Strait fishermen have said foreign vessels were exceeding catch limits and crowding out the local operators.

They said as many as 80 Chinese-sponsored commercial boats from PNG have been raiding the area, taking crayfish and sea cucumber, as well as protected dugong and turtles.

She said there were also reports of an increase in illegal vessels from Indonesia fishing Australia’s northern waters with impunity.

Senator McDonald said the situation made a mockery of the government’s approach to northern border security.

“Authorities have acknowledged the Indigenous fishermen’s concerns and said patrols would be stepped up, but there needs to be more urgency shown and a clear picture provided, so we have confidence something will be done,” she said.

Senator McDonald said increased foreign activity in the Strait raised questions about biosecurity and overfishing.

“Tuberculosis is a big concern for humans, and lumpy skin disease hitting cattle here from Indonesia would devastate our northern beef sector,” she said.

“And while Australian fishers operate under strict quotas and increasing regulation, it is appalling that foreign vessels can just take what they want.

“Queensland and Federal Labor must do more to protect and support the North.”

Influenza clusters on Cape York

Health authorities are managing clusters of influenza cases across Cape York Peninsula, prompting a warning for residents to take precautions to avoid falling ill.

Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service Public Health Medical Officer Dr Allison Hempenstall said 63 laboratory-confirmed cases had already been recorded so far this year.

“We know flu has started circulating in our region,’’ she said. “Being vaccinated every year is the best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu – once this year’s seasonal flu vaccine becomes available from April onwards, everyone should take the opportunity to be vaccinated.

“If you get the flu, you should stay home and rest and drink plenty of fluids until symptoms have resolved, which is usually five to seven days.

“If you or your family member is getting sicker, they may have fast or difficult breathing, have chest pains, be sleepy or say they are getting worse.

“If this happens, they should go to their doctor or clinic, as you may be suitable to receive antiviral treatment.’’

Dr Hempenstall said the flu could be a serious illness, especially for high-risk people like young children, old people, pregnant women, and people with illnesses such as diabetes.

“While healthy adults usually recover quite well, influenza infection can lead to other medical complications such as pneumonia,’’ she said.