31 new Queensland dams open to fishing

From July 1, 2016, the Queensland Government opened the floodgates and almost doubled the number of stocked impoundments where anglers are permitted to fish in the State under the Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme (SIPS).

Minister for Agricultural and Fisheries, Leanne Donaldson, said the expansion of the popular SIPS program gave anglers access to a total of 63 dams and weirs throughout Queensland. They stretch from west of Cairns to the NSW border on this map of Queensland's dams now open to fishing and boating.

"The addition of these fishing spots will see a boost to freshwater recreational fishing right across the state," the Minister said.

"Anyone over 18 who wants to fish in these waters will require a permit but the good news is that at least 75 percent of the money received in permits will be directed back into the system.

"This means this money is being used to enhance the stocking program and for the first time, it will allow stocking groups to apply to use some of this money to enhance the recreational fishing experience at their local dams and weirs.

"The expansion of the SIPS will provide increased recreational fishing opportunities to regional communities through the provision of world class freshwater fishing," Mr Donaldson said.

Obviously, this is a big win for recreational fishers, local fish stoking groups and regional communities right across Queensland.

"Currently the scheme generates revenue of approximately $1 million each year through the sale of some 50 000 permits," the Minister said.

"SIPS will also move into the 21st century from 1 July with permits becoming digital making it fast, easy and convenient for anglers.

"Digital permits for freshwater fishing will arrive by email or text message and are less likely to be damaged or lost compared to the old paper permits.

“When fishers are asked to produce their permit, they will simply be able to display it on their phone."

Australia Post will manage the sale of permits which can be purchased online, at any Australia Post outlet or sub-agent in Queensland and from limited locations in northern New South Wales or over the phone.

An annual permit will cost $50, $36 for an annual concession permit and a weekly permit is $10. Permit fees have been fixed for the next five years.

Fishers who hold an existing paper-based permit can continue to use it for freshwater fishing until the expiry date.

For more information visit Queensland dams for fishing and boating.

New SIPS stocked dams and weirs
Aplins Weir Townsville (North Queensland)
Caboolture River Weir, Caboolture (Moreton Bay)
Goondiwindi (Hilton) Weir, Goondiwindi
Miles Weir, Miles (Western Downs)
Baroon Pocket Dam, Maleny (Sunshine Coast)
Cecil Plains Weir, Cecil Plains (Toowoomba)
Hinze Dam, Gold Coast hinterland
Surat Weir, Surat (Maranoa)
Beebo Weir, Texas (Goondiwindi)
Chinchilla Weir, Chinchilla (Darling Downs)
Inglewood Town Weir, Inglewood (Goondiwindi)
Talgai Weir, Clifton (Southern Downs)
Beehive Dam, Wallangarra (Southern Downs)
Claude Wharton Weir, Gayndah (North Burnett)
Jones Weir, Mundubbera (North Burnett)
Whetstone Weir, Inglewood (Goondiwindi)
Ben Anderson Barrage, Bundaberg
Ewen Maddock Dam, Landsborough (Sunshine Coast)
Koombooloomba Dam, Ravenshoe (Tablelands)
Woodford Weir, Woodford (Sunshine Coast)
Ben Dor Weir, Inglewood (Goondiwindi)
Gill Weir, Miles (Western Downs)
Lake Belmore, Croydon (Gulf Savannah)
Wyaralong Dam, Beaudesert (Scenic Rim)
Black Weir, Townsville (North Queensland)
Gleeson Weir, Townsville (North Queensland)
Lake Kurwongbah, Petrie (South east Queensland)
Yarramalong Weir, Milmerran (Toowoomba)
Bonshaw Weir, Texas (Goondiwindi)
Glenarbon Weir, Texas (Goondiwindi)
Lemon Tree Weir, Millmerran (Toowoomba)

Photo credit: Solid barra and bass posted by Somerset Fishing Tackle online store at www.somersetfishing.com.au.