QUEENSLAND’S NATIVE FISH BEING CONSERVED IN BURDEKIN WATERWAYS

A North Queensland organisation is helping to conserve native freshwater fish by removing barriers stopping the creatures from moving freely in Burdekin waterways.

Burdekin Dry Tropics Natural Resource Management is working with the community to remove 40 key fish passage barriers, so the fish can reach their natural breeding areas.

Natural Resources and Water Minister Craig Wallace, who is with the group today on site visits in North Queensland, said there were 53 native species of freshwater fish in the Burdekin, Black, Ross, Haughton and Don rivers which were unable to move freely into the myriad of creeks and streams they once called home.

"Each year many thousands of these creatures perish trying to reach their once natural habitat and breeding areas," Mr Wallace said.

"Many passages to their natural environment are blocked by barriers such as weed infestations and culverts under roads."

He said the organisation delivered several effective programs that engaged the community, improved land management practices and protected endangered species.

Minister Wallace said the Townsville-based group had received $500,000 from the Queensland Government and $2.67 million from the Australian Government for 2008-09 to carry out its important natural resource management and conservation work.

"This funding is part of $17.2 million committed by the Queensland Government to regional natural resource management in 2008-2009, and $25.7 million from the Australian Government through its Caring for our Country initiative," he said.

"A key initiative of the Bligh Government’s Toward Q2: Tomorrow’s Queensland is protecting our lifestyle and environment by protecting our unique biodiversity.

"The Bligh Government is pleased to be supporting initiatives to improve the environment and assist in the sustainable management of our natural resources."

The combined funding is drawn from a joint government regional investment strategy with the federal departments of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, and Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry; and the state departments of Natural Resources and Water and Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation.

Mr Wallace said the group’s project, ‘Fish Passage Assessment and Restoration’ had made significant progress since January 2007, identifying and mapping 12,000 barriers.

"Of the 12,000, the group has since identified 40 prime barriers and has fixed two of those, and is negotiating with land owners to continue enhancing fish passages," he said.

Mr Wallace said native fish were especially vulnerable, because they could not swim against high running water like species such as the North Atlantic salmon.

Media contact: Minister Wallace’s office, 3896 3688.