MINISTER CALLS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH INTO LUNGFISH

Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries has today determined that further research will be undertaken to ensure the future of the lungfish.
Speaking in State Parliament today, Mr Mulherin said although significant research had been done into the lungfish and fishway devices on the Burnett River, more work needed to be done.
“The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries has been monitoring populations of lungfish and the success of fishway devices in the Burnet River since 1995,’’ Mr Mulherin said.
“DPI&F and other Government agencies have produced a number of reports since that time outlining actions to improve the efficiency of fishways and monitor fish movements.
“My review of these reports has revealed that there are a number of issues requiring more attention, and there are some outstanding actions which are yet to be implemented.

“A number of questions remained unanswered by these reports.

“In my view this is not good enough.

“As the responsible Minister, I am committed to addressing these outstanding issues.

“In particular the Government will:

• Establish a new fishway at Claude Wharton Weir in 2007
• Establish or upgrade fish electronic monitoring devices at Ned Churchward Weir (1 December 2006) and at Kirar Weir (early 2007)
• Undertake further investigations into lungfish spawning in particular whether lungfish are successfully spawning in impoundments at Paradise Dam, Ned Churchward Weir, Claude Wharton Weir and at Enoggera Dam and North Pine Dam in Brisbane
• Undertake a 10-year lungfish monitoring program at a cost of $1million and
• Complete preparation of a Lungfish Recovery Plan (or Management Plan) by January 2007 for which $1 million has been reserved under the Burnett Program of Actions to implement this Plan and a range of other measures.



“Studies by DPIF’s scientists over the past decade, as well as the extensive range of current and ongoing research, will also ensure that all new fishways in Queensland, such as at Traveston Dam, will deliver the most advanced and effective design possible,’’ Mr Mulherin said.

“The Government is working to ensure that fish of all sizes, including large adult lungfish, can move freely throughout River systems and new water storages which are necessary for delivering water to Queensland’s growing population.’’

Mr Mulherin delivered a ministerial statement In Parliament today on lungfish and fishway monitoring, a full transcript of which was incorporated into Hansard.

The Minister also tabled a number of reports, which were the subject of the review, and an outline of further measures in regard to lungfish and fishway monitoring.


Media: David Potter 32396530