On Monday morning two locals used nets to fish during their day off. 

“We are just trying to see what’s in it,” said Jake Fickling. “If we catch barra we will put it on top.” 

Mr Fickling and Philip Constantinides seem to catch plenty of bait fish within a few throws of the net, but no barramundi. 

They arrived at the dam just as Cloncurry mayor Greg Campbell finished checking out the site. 

“It’s definitely a great start to 2017, and I am looking forward to some more (rain),” Councillor Campbell said. 

The mayor said the south of the shire including Dajarra was still to receive good rainfall this wet season.

“I’m sure it’s coming their way,” Cr Campbell said. “I think there’s still more to come.” 

The Bureau of Meteorology recorded that 56.8 millimetres of rain fell in its Cloncurry rain gauge on Sunday morning – between midnight and 9am. 

Cr Campbell said the rain was a positive sign for the local cattle industry.

“Cattle prices are still quite strong, good prices and outcomes for a good season,” the mayor said. 

“Graziers should be quite happy at the moment.”  

Lake Julius has also gone over the spillway. The pipeline from the lake to Cloncurry, and the construction of the weir meant water security was “well assured”. 

“We have still got to conserve water and not waste it,” he said.