Anglers lured in to celebrate 25 years of fish stocking scheme

• Queensland’s most successful recreational fishing initiative celebrates 25 year anniversary.
• The Queensland Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme has delivered fishing, economic and tourism benefits for Queenslanders at stocked dams across the State.
• A fishing competition will be held in the September school holidays, where anglers can snag a range of prizes. 

The Crisafulli Government is marking 25 years of one of the most successful recreational fishing initiatives in the State. 

Queensland’s inland fishing program, the Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme (SIPS), was introduced in 2000 and has since grown from 25 dams to 63 impoundments. 

To celebrate, the “SIPS 25” fishing competition will be held in the September school holidays at SIPS destinations. 

Fisheries Queensland is teaming up with the Freshwater Fishing and Stocking Association of Queensland and fish-stocking groups across the State for the competition with a swag of prizes on the line. 

After a decade of Labor’s anti-fishing agenda, Queensland’s recreational fishers and fish stocking groups can now feel confident that the Government supports them and their growth. 

It defies logic that Labor was planning to do away with fisheries science altogether. In the recent Budget, we salvaged $13 million for scientific capability and 38 public servants will keep their jobs.

Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said the Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme was a major part of Queensland’s $2.5 billion recreational fishing industry. 

“The work of volunteer stocking groups should not be understated, it creates opportunities for tourists and locals alike to enjoy fishing and camping at these facilities,” Minister Perrett said. 

“In the last year 3.2 million fingerlings including barramundi, Australian bass, golden perch, silver perch and Murray cod have been released. 

“I encourage local businesses to join forces with local stocking volunteer groups to make this year's competition one to remember.” 

The funds from the sale of permits, covers the management of the scheme as well as stocking the impoundments and supporting regional aquaculture businesses that supply fingerlings.  

The program relies on the hard work of volunteer fish-stocking groups, stock impoundments across Queensland guaranteeing year-round recreational fishing.   

More details about SIPS 25 can be found here. 

ENDS 

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