This conference was a major success, with several participants suggesting similar follow-up meetings. Those who attended gained an important insight to the extent and aspirations of a very wide range of recreational fishing interests in Queensland. Participants also contributed to the actions that need to be taken over the next five years in the interests of recreational fishing in Queensland. The conference was NOT merely a talkfest. The Sunfish Chairman will be personally leading the development of a list of actions, supported by Sunfish, to deliver on conference outcomes.

Some 70+ persons attended all or part of the Sunfish Conference held on 14-15 Nov 2009 at the Bardon Conference Centre, Brisbane. All Sunfish members and most regional branches had representatives present. All relevant Government agencies (excepting Tourism) were well represented as was the fishing tackle industry. Recreational fishers not directly affiliated through membership of Sunfish organisations were represented by less than ten attendees. This is somewhat disappointing given the efforts we made to publicise the conference. However Sunfish received many apologies by email and telephone from a wide range of recreational fishers, both Sunfish aligned and others. The strong message that I received from non-attendees was that they are happy that Sunfish represents their interests in recreational fishing. The level of criticism of Sunfish as a representative of recreational fishing was almost non-existent.

Sunfish has offered a special thankyou to all those who attended the conference, with an acknowledgement of the work and input of the speakers on day one and the workshop chairs on day two.

The extra special efforts of our Executive Officer Judy Lynne must be acknowledged as contributing to the success of the conference. Glenys Pollock made a significant contribution by doing on a voluntary basis, the important job of Conference Registrar. Many others in Sunfish also contributed to the organisation of the conference - a special thankyou to all these people.

Conference Outcomes. The outcomes of discussions at the conference are now being drafted by the conference workshop chairs. These will be published as soon as possible in the Sunfish Magazine, and distributed widely. The point was made at the Conference that the outcomes may be used in a number of ways. For example by Sunfish members in their future planning, by Fisheries Queensland especially as input to the Recreational Fisheries Development Plan currently under construction, and by Sunfish in identifying strategic actions for the next few years.

The Sunfish Chairman has taken responsibility for developing a Sunfish action plan so that we can proceed with the good ideas and suggestions coming from this conference - so stay tuned!

Dr Barry Pollock, Chairman, Sunfish QLD