SIP Scheme Proving Successful For State’s Fish Stocking Groups

13 September 2002

Queensland fish stocking groups have benefited from more than $809,000 raised since the introduction of the Department of Primary Industries Queensland Fisheries Service (QFS) Stocked Impoundment Permit (SIP) scheme.

Since the SIP scheme was introduced in July 2000, $612,000 has been allocated to stocking groups to purchase fish and for other activities aimed at enhancing the fishery.

The remainder of the money has been used for administration purposes.

QFS senior policy officer Michelle Hollaway said 25 dams throughout the State had benefited from the SIP scheme.

Ms Hollaway said the scheme was proving extremely effective with more than 1 million fish stocked in these 25 dams since July 2000.

She said freshwater fishing had grown in popularity during the past few years and local stocking groups had found it increasingly difficult to raise the funds to purchase fish.

“Many of these communities rely on freshwater fishing activities to bring in valuable tourist dollars,” Ms Hollaway said.

“Since the SIP scheme has been introduced, the pressure to find the dollars to restock dams has eased.”

Ms Hollaway said SIP scheme funds were raised through the sale of fishing permits which cost $35 a year or $7 for a week.

The permits, which can be purchased at small business outlets near the dams as well as selected Australia Post offices, allow the holder to fish in 25 stocked dams in Queensland.

“By doing the right thing and buying a permit, people are contributing to the quality of freshwater fishing in Queensland and ensuring our rural and regional communities continue to benefit from recreational fishing,” she said.

Meanwhile, proposed new management arrangements for Queensland’s freshwater fisheries recommend adding four more dams to the SIP scheme including Cressbrook and Cooby dams near Toowoomba, Callide dam near Biloela and Glenlyon dam near Stanthorpe.

Ms Hollaway said anglers were urged to comment on the proposed new management arrangements outlined in the Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) and had until Friday October 11 to submit their comments in writing.

Copies of the RIS and information about the SIP scheme are available on the DPI Fishweb site at www.dpi.qld.gov.au/fishweb/ or by phoning the DPI Call Centre on 13 25 23.

Department of Primary Industries Media Unit
GPO Box 46 Brisbane Q 4001 Ph 07 3239 6380
DPI Call Centre 13 25 23 (weekdays 8 am to 6 pm)

Further information: Michelle Hollaway (07) 3227 7259
Communications Officer: Liz Smith (07) 3224 7757

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