Published Monday, 23 July, 2007 at 04:46 PM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
MODEST FISHERIES INVESTMENT GENERATES HUGE BENEFITS
The freshwater fish restocking program is turning fairly modest investments into millions of dollars worth of benefits, Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin announced today from Community Cabinet in Yarrabah, North Queensland.
“I am pleased to report that the Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme, introduced to support the development of recreational fisheries throughout regional Queensland, has raised more than $2.9 million since its introduction in 2000,” Mr Mulherin said.
“The funding raised from the SIP Scheme is distributed to community-based fish stocking groups for the purchase of fish fingerlings for stocking into dams and other activities to enhance the local fisheries.
“The Scheme currently supports 30 dams throughout the State and, to date, more than 8.5 million native fish have been released into these dams.
“For example, in this region, Lake Tinaroo has received a boost from this scheme with 550 of 6000 30cm-long barramundi released late last year guaranteeing some good recreational fishing on the lake.
“Lake Tinaroo is an extremely popular destination for recreational fishermen. It is a world-class fishery that brings in about $1-1.5 million to the local economy each year,” he said.
Mr Mulherin said for every dollar spent on stocking Tinaroo with barramundi, up to $35 was returned to the Queensland economy.
Minister Mulherin said that the most recent economic study of two impoundments on the Scheme had demonstrated the excellent return on the investment.
“The recreational value of the two impoundments in 2006-07 was $1.1 million for the Bjelke-Petersen Dam and $3.2 million for the Boondooma Dam. In comparison, the funding allocations were $24,267 for the Bjelke-Petersen Dam and $25,996 for the Boondooma Dam. The 'recreational value' refers to the estimated total annual spending by anglers while on fishing trips to the local areas.
“The beauty of the Scheme is that it is funded totally by those people who are enjoying the use of the fisheries.”
Stocked Impoundment Permits cost only $35 a year and cover all 30 dams.
“The benefit of this Scheme is that it has established new freshwater fisheries which would not otherwise exist, and we are working hard to ensure these fisheries are managed for the future,” Mr Mulherin said.
“I am aware that some stocked impoundments have felt the brunt of the drought and recent ongoing below average temperatures that have hit the State in recent weeks with reports of some tropical species dying in these dams and lakes.
“These stocked impoundments are an extremely valuable resource for Queensland and steps have already been taken to ensure the impoundments affected by this natural occurrence are cleaned up and where necessary will be re-stocked.”
Media: 323 96530
“I am pleased to report that the Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme, introduced to support the development of recreational fisheries throughout regional Queensland, has raised more than $2.9 million since its introduction in 2000,” Mr Mulherin said.
“The funding raised from the SIP Scheme is distributed to community-based fish stocking groups for the purchase of fish fingerlings for stocking into dams and other activities to enhance the local fisheries.
“The Scheme currently supports 30 dams throughout the State and, to date, more than 8.5 million native fish have been released into these dams.
“For example, in this region, Lake Tinaroo has received a boost from this scheme with 550 of 6000 30cm-long barramundi released late last year guaranteeing some good recreational fishing on the lake.
“Lake Tinaroo is an extremely popular destination for recreational fishermen. It is a world-class fishery that brings in about $1-1.5 million to the local economy each year,” he said.
Mr Mulherin said for every dollar spent on stocking Tinaroo with barramundi, up to $35 was returned to the Queensland economy.
Minister Mulherin said that the most recent economic study of two impoundments on the Scheme had demonstrated the excellent return on the investment.
“The recreational value of the two impoundments in 2006-07 was $1.1 million for the Bjelke-Petersen Dam and $3.2 million for the Boondooma Dam. In comparison, the funding allocations were $24,267 for the Bjelke-Petersen Dam and $25,996 for the Boondooma Dam. The 'recreational value' refers to the estimated total annual spending by anglers while on fishing trips to the local areas.
“The beauty of the Scheme is that it is funded totally by those people who are enjoying the use of the fisheries.”
Stocked Impoundment Permits cost only $35 a year and cover all 30 dams.
“The benefit of this Scheme is that it has established new freshwater fisheries which would not otherwise exist, and we are working hard to ensure these fisheries are managed for the future,” Mr Mulherin said.
“I am aware that some stocked impoundments have felt the brunt of the drought and recent ongoing below average temperatures that have hit the State in recent weeks with reports of some tropical species dying in these dams and lakes.
“These stocked impoundments are an extremely valuable resource for Queensland and steps have already been taken to ensure the impoundments affected by this natural occurrence are cleaned up and where necessary will be re-stocked.”
Media: 323 96530