Small Businesses Stock Up On Fishing Permits
30 January, 2004

More than 120 small businesses throughout the State are now involved in the highly successful Department of Primary Industries Stocked Impoundment Permit (SIP) Scheme.

The small business network has been expanding since the introduction of the scheme in 2000, allowing anglers to purchase freshwater fishing permits at their local convenience store.

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

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 fishing permits.

“QFS is keen to continue to expand the network of small businesses that issue 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 the new look business card sized freshwater fishing permits were also only available from participating small business outlets.

“The new permits are convenient, easy to carry and laminated which also help to protect them against the weather,” she said.

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

Permits cost $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.

Small business operators interested in becoming involved in the SIP scheme should phone the DPI Call Centre on 13 25 23.

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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