The fish are biting in Kingaroy and the Burnett

Published Monday, 26 November, 2018 at 04:09 PM

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries
The Honourable Mark Furner

The fish are biting in Kingaroy and the Burnett with the Palaszczuk Government landing $81,000 to boost native fish numbers in local dams for recreational anglers.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said the release of more than three million fingerlings across Queensland over the coming year would be funded by the sale of recreational fishing permits.

“Baby barramundi, Australian bass, golden perch and Murray cod are among the iconic species finding new homes to ensure the Burnett continues to enjoy some of Australia’s best freshwater fishing,” Mr Furner said.

“Many of our native fish are reluctant to breed in dams and weirs, but Queensland’s permit scheme ensures reeling in the catch-of-the-day is enjoyable and sustainable.”

Mr Furner said the Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme would see fingerlings released by local fish stocking groups at:

 

  • Bjelke Petersen Dam
  • Gordonbrook Dam
  • Boondooma Dam 

 

Mr Furner said the Palaszczuk Government had listened to the views of recreational fishers and acted.

“Half of all fingerling funding this year has been cast into areas near popular fishing spots as a direct result of feedback from permit holders on improving freshwater angling experiences,” Mr Furner said.

More than 43,000 recreational fishers have taken out a permit for Queensland’s 63 stocked dams and weirs with 75 percent of the $1.067 million from permits returned to fish stocking volunteers.

The cost of an annual permit is $50 per person, $36 for concession card holders or $10 for a weekly permit and available online at www.fisheries.qld.gov.au, or any Australia Post outlet in Queensland.

“The permit scheme means Queensland families can continue to throw in a hook, line and sinker for generations to come,” Mr Furner said.

Ends

Media contact:            Ron Goodman            0427 781 920