Government advise not to swim in Cid Harbour

Media Release: JOINT STATEMENT – 06.11.18 Minister for Innovation and Tourism Industry Development and Minister for the Commonwealth Games The Honourable Kate Jones Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries The Honourable Mark Furner

More signs will be installed re-enforcing that no one should swim in Cid Harbour under any circumstances.

Tourism Minister Kate Jones said following conversations with the local mayor and the local tourism industry, even more advice telling people not to swim in Cid Harbour would be fast tracked.

“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who lost his life,” Ms Jones said.

“Our thanks also go to the first responders and medical staff who assisted.

“The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries will install temporary signs by the weekend with permanent signs to be installed within the next few weeks.

“Local charter operators have already been active in telling anyone hiring a boat that no one should swim in Cid Harbour.

“Neither the local mayor, Andrew Willcox, marine authorities nor local tourism operators want to see drumlines redeployed.

“They want re-enforced messaging and that’s what we are doing. Water police are on the harbour re-enforcing that message again today.

“As well as new signs we will also work on other ways of getting the message to tourists and boaties.”

Fisheries Minister Mark Furner said no one should swim in Cid Harbour at any time.

“We can’t be clearer – don’t swim in Cid Harbour,” he said.

“Drumlines or not, no one should swim in Cid Harbour.

“As local charter operators have advised, Cid Harbour is primarily a site for mooring.

“The disposal of food scraps can attract sharks and that means no one should swim in Cid Harbour under any circumstances.”

Media contacts: Jack Harbour (Minister Jones) 0419 620 447 | Ron Goodman (Minister Furner) 0427 781 920