Fishing app ‘one-stop shop’ for anglers

The Qld Fishing 2.0 app, the number one recreational fishing app for all of Queensland, has chalked up over 100,000 downloads since its release in October 2020.

The app, a one-stop shop for recreational fishers, came with a plethora of handy tools, including helping fishers to identify their catch, check the rules, and receive reminders about closures.

It recently underwent a suite of improvements, including:

• ‘Can I fish here’ updated so you can see when you are near or have reached a marine park zone

• Hyperlinks created from ‘Can I fish here’ to relevant ‘Know the rules’ sections

• Symbols added for pest fish and species with temporary restrictions

• Fish Aggregating Device (FAD) locations updated

• Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (GBRMP) Estuarine Conservation Zones added and headings updated in ‘Know the rules’

• Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme (SIPS) prices and Australia Post outlets updated Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said the Qld Fishing 2.0 app was a vital tool.

“Not only does it allow recreational fishers to identify a multitude of different species of fish, but it also helps them to better understand and comply with fishing rules and regulations,” he said.

“The app promotes enhanced two-way communication between Fisheries Queensland and recreational fishers through push notifications that inform users of rule changes, app content changes, events and more, and a contact feature that allows fishers to easily make an enquiry or report.

“It’s all about promoting education and communication while protecting Queensland’s valuable fisheries resources for future generations to enjoy.”

For more information email QLDrecfishingapp.support@ daf.qld.gov.au

Download the Qld Fishing 2.0 app for free from the Google Play or Apple app stores.

Funds to keep arts/ languages strong and connected

The Albanese Government is supporting First Nations cultural expression with an investment of more than $5.1 million in community-based organisations delivering vital languages and arts activities around the country.

More than 40 organisations have shared in funding for 2023-24, to be delivered through the Government’s Indigenous Languages and Arts program. The program was to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to express, preserve and maintain their cultures through Indigenous languages and arts activities.

Recipients included:

• Balkanu Cape York Development Corporation: to preserve and support the everyday use of Kala Lagaw Ya (Kaurareg Dialect) from the inner region of Torres Strait Islands by Elders and young people recording language stories from significant cultural sites and producing language learning resources, including video stories and social media content and sharing with Kaurareg community members.

• Gondwana Choirs: to preserve Indigenous songs and musical traditions by supporting young and established composers and cultural custodians to produce three new choral works in KLY/Meriam

Mir, Yuwaalaraay, and Dharawal languages for launch online in high-quality, filmed performances.

• Cairns Indigenous Art Fair: to showcase, promote and celebrate Indigenous cultural expression by facilitating a family friendly, accessible arts and cultural event within the Cairns CBD featuring Indigenous performance, art installation, story tellers and poets.

• Queensland Indigenous Languages Advisory Committee: to host a community-focussed languages forum to support the growth and professional development of the language sector in Queensland by promoting best practise, providing networking opportunities, celebrating achievements and facilitating knowledge sharing.

Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney said the funding would help organisations continue the crucial work they were doing in their communities to keep languages strong.

“Indigenous languages are integral to the identity and connection with culture for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and I look forward to seeing the positive results of these innovative projects,” she said.