Closures Near Dam And Weir Walls Protect Native Fish

1 October, 2002

Closures to prevent fishing near dam and weir walls are vital to protect Queensland’s native fish populations.

The Department of Primary Industries Queensland Fisheries Service (QFS) is proposing a range of changes to dam and weir closures outlined in a Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) for freshwater fisheries currently released for public comment.

The proposals include changing the closure distance at Chinchilla Weir and the Claude Wahrton Weir near Gayndah.

Seven new closures are also proposed for Fairmont Weir, Longreach; Lake MacDonald near Cooroy; Hinze Dam near Nerang; Old Mt Crosby Weir; Walla Weir near Gayndah; Wivenhoe Dam near Fernvale; and Luscombe Weir near Yatala.

QFS senior policy officer Michelle Hollaway said the closures were essential to protect migratory native fish such as Australian bass, golden and silver perch and barramundi.

Ms Hollaway said dam and weir walls created barriers to the migrating fish, causing them to congregate in large schools below the wall, making them susceptible to fishing.

“Unless there is a fishway or a flood, there is no way for the fish to get through the barrier making them an easy target for anglers,” she said.

“We need to conserve native fish stocks and protect them from heavy fishing by introducing closures and limits from where people can legally fish.”

Ms Hollaway said each dam and weir was assessed individually to determine what approach was the most effective for each venue.

More details on the dam and weir closures are available in the RIS which can be found on the DPI Fishweb site at www.dpi.qld.gov.au/fishweb or by phoning the DPI Call Centre on 13 25 23.

The public has until Friday, October 11 to comment in writing on the proposals outlined in the RIS.

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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