SIPs Network Expands
25 September 2003

More than 100 small businesses throughout the State are now involved in the highly successful Department of Primary Industries Stocked Impoundment Permit (SIP) Scheme.

The SIPs network has expanded to include 105 small businesses, many of which are located near the dams where a permit is needed for fishing.

The SIP scheme allows anglers to fish in any of the 29 stocked dams throughout Queensland while helping to raise valuable funds for local fish stocking organisations.

Since the scheme was introduced in 2000, local stocking groups have stocked more than 2 million fish.

Queensland Fisheries Service (QFS) senior policy officer Michelle Hollaway said small businesses were a key component of the scheme’s success, providing anglers with another option for purchasing their fishing permits.

Ms Hollaway said QFS had been particularly keen to extend the number of businesses selling permits near Ayr in recognition of the Burdekin Falls Dam growing popularity as a fishing venue.

She said a number of small businesses had now been added in Ayr as well as at the dam itself and several bait and tackle shops along the Queensland coast were also now involved the scheme.

“QFS is keen to continue to expand the network of small businesses that sell permits and highlight our commitment to supporting regional communities and strengthening their economies through freshwater fishing and related activities,” Ms Hollaway said.

“Small business operators who issue permits do this on a voluntary basis and do not receive commission for providing this service but they recognise the overall economic benefits to the local community through supporting the stocking program in this way.”

Ms Hollaway said permits were also are available online through the Queensland Government Gateway at www.qld.gov.au/fishing or through the Queensland Government Contact Centre on 13 13 04.

The permits are no longer available from any Australia Post outlets.

Ms Hollaway said by providing three different options anglers could now choose the most convenient method for purchasing their permit which costs $35 a year or $7 for a week.

For details of the participating small business locations and a list of the 29 dams that require a permit contact the DPI Call Centre on 13 25 23 or go to www.dpi.qld.gov.au/fishweb/1339.html.

Department of Primary Industries Media Unit
GPO Box 46 Brisbane Qld 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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