3 million more reasons to fish inland Qld

A Queensland Government scheme to raise extra funding for freshwater fish stocking in 29 inland impoundments across the State has paid for the release of more than three million native fish fingerlings over the last four years.

Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Henry Palaszczuk said the Stocked Impoundment Permit (SIP) scheme, which was introduced in July 2000, had raised more than $1.4 million for the improvement of freshwater fishing in the participating impoundments.

"Freshwater fishing is increasingly popular in Queensland and the SIP scheme has boosted fish stocks by raising funds for community-based fish stocking groups,"
Mr Palaszczuk said.

"To date, funding from the scheme has paid for the release of more than three million fingerlings into the
29 impoundments throughout Queensland."

Under the scheme, people fishing in any of the 29 participating impoundments must have a permit. Individuals or a couple can buy an annual permit for $35 or a weekly permit for $7. Fishers aged under 18 years do not require a permit. A 10% discount applies on the annual fee for holders of all entitlement cards.

Mr Palaszczuk said despite the drought, which has had an impact on a number of impoundments, the demand for permits has increased.

The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries has revised upwards its target for permits to 32,500 this financial year (2004-05) from its target of 32,000 in 2003-04.

Mr Palaszczuk said inland freshwater fishing was becoming an important economic development driver in many rural communities.

He said a recent State Government-commissioned economic survey of three freshwater impoundments stocked with fish in rural Queensland had found that visiting recreational anglers contributed more than $11.5 million the local communities over a 12-month period.

"As a Government we have been committed to increasing the popularity of freshwater fishing and the SIP scheme is generating enormous benefits in that regard," he said.

The 29 participating stocked impoundments are Lake Dyer, Laidley; Lake Clarendon, Gatton; Bjelke-Petersen Dam, Murgon; Borumba Dam, Imbil; Lake Monduran, Gin Gin; Boondooma Dam, Proston; Burdekin Falls Dam, Ravenswood; Tinaroo Falls Dam, Atherton; Lenthalls Dam, Howard; Leslie Dam, Warwick; Maroon Dam, Boonah; Cania Dam, Monto; Moogerah Dam, Kalbar; Connolly Dam, Warwick; Peter Faust Dam, Proserpine; Coolmunda Dam, Inglewood; Somerset Dam, Esk; Eungella Dam, Eungella; Teemburra Dam, Mackay; Gordonbrook Dam, Kingaroy; Lake Gregory, Bundaberg; Wivenhoe Dam, Fernvale; Kinchant Dam, Mackay; Lake MacDonald, Cooroy; Wuruma Dam, Eidsvold; Glenlyon Dam, Stanthorpe; Cressbrook Dam, Toowoomba; Cooby Dam, Toowoomba and Callide Dam, Biloela.

Media contact: Kirby Anderson 3239 3004 or
(0418) 197 350

http://statements.cabinet.qld.gov.au...=2310&db=media