MOUNT Isa Fish Stocking Group (MIFSG) has sourced new annual funding but it could cost locals.
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As of July 1 2016, Queensland’s permit for recreational freshwater fishing changed with the expansion of the Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme (SIPS).
MIFSG is seeking community consultation in regards to enforcing the SIPS program to Lake Julius, Lake Moondarra and East Leichhardt Dam.
By implementing SIPS, fishers over the age of 18 will need to pay $10 per week or $50 per year ($36 for concession card holders) for their stocked impoundment permits. These fees would go to supporting MIFSG to purchase native fish fingerlings.
MIFSG vice-president, Bill Rigby, said if locals chose to accept this scheme it would guarantee annual funding for the Mount Isa Fish Stocking Group.
“It is a way to continue to stock the dam and support the hatchery,” he said.
“The Scheme will assist with the stocking of Barramundi as they cannot reproduce in fresh water.
“Over 50 per cent of the dams and weirs in Queensland are on this scheme. If we enforce this scheme, permit holders can also fish at any other dams in Queensland who are also on the scheme.”
With the Scheme implemented MIFSG could receive up to an estimated value of $16,218 for Lake Julius, $27,126 for Lake Moondarra and $1,713 for East Leichhardt Dam.
"They only add dams to SIPS every three years therefore the Scheme would not be implemented straight away,” Mr Rigby said.
“The worst thing that could happen if locals don’t want to pay the fee is the fish stocking group volunteers would have to continue to fundraise and seek community support to keep stocking the lakes.”
Locals to lodge their vote on Mount Isa Fish Stocking Group’s Facebook page.