CORPORATISATION THREATENS IMPOUNDMENT FISHING

It was about July 1999 when the then South East Queensland Water Board (SEQWB) released a discussion paper outlining the intention of the Queensland Government to corporatise the Water Board. What this meant was, once the organization became a corporate entity in it's own right, the impoundments of Wivenhoe, Somerset, and Samsonvale, would be taken out of public ownership. The Corporation would be controlled similar to any other private company with little or no involvement from the State Government. The object of the Corporation would be to make money for it's shareholders. In March this year, the SEQWB ceased to exist, and the South East Queensland Water Corporation (SEQWC) became a separate entity.

From the very outset, FFSAQ had real concerns that the recreational facilities of access to fisherman, and fish stocking, could be jeopardised. Where once the State Government had a public responsibility, this would not necessarily be the case with any new corporate entity. FFSAQ provided input to the discussion paper indicating it's concerns. Peter Beattie, the Premier of Queensland, was also informed. The Governments response was that it expected the Corporation to continue it's image as a "good corporate citizen", and to encompass these recreational facilities in it's ongoing management strategy. FFSAQ placed no credence in this response at all.

About a month or so ago, the "commercial arm" of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), was also corporatised. It is now known as SUNWATER. This means that every impoundment in Queensland, previously owned and operated by the State Government, is now owned and controlled by shareholders who have no allegiance to members of the public. Again, as with the SEQWC, the primary objective is to make money, and there is no profit in providing recreational facilities for the public.

In real terms, it could be said, that recreational freshwater fisherman in Queensland, have been "sold out" by the Queensland Government. There is now no requirement for these corporations to have any public responsibility at all. General access to these storages, and permission to stock and fish these waters could be totally denied.

The fears of FFSAQ have now materialised. Even though these corporations are only some months old, restrictions, denial of access, and closure of some facilities, are already being implemented by both organisations.

The future of the Recreational Fishing Enhancement Programme (RFEP), as we now know it, must certainly be placed in jeopardy. It is beyond belief that the programme, initiated by the State Government in 1986, could now be placed in this precarious position by these restructures. The RFEP has proven to be a tremendous success story by providing freshwater anglers with magnificent opportunities to further their recreational pursuits, as well as contributing extensively to the rural economy and tourist industry.

The Stocked Impoundment Permit (SIP) has also been recently introduced by the Government. This scheme encompasses 25 of the impoundments previously controlled by DNR, but are now in private hands. It would appear that little or no for-thought was given by Government to these recreational activities before approving the corporatisation of these bodies.

FFSAQ has already had a preliminary meeting with SUNWATER . This was in conjunction with QFS and DNR. It was made very clear that Sunwater's major responsibility was to it's shareholders, and that any non-profitable aspects of it's organisation would have to be limited. The government has made a conscious decision not to fund the existing recreational facilities, and are not allowing any of Sunwater's clients/customers to be levied accordingly. It appears that Sunwater has a desire to project a good public image, but this will be very difficult. In all probability, it is most likely that if these facilities are to be maintained, access fees are a real possibility.

Sunwater have indicated that they have concerns with regards to fish stocking in their impoundments. They perceive that stocking could have a detrimental impact on water quality which in turn could lead to an unacceptable environmental risk.

If these problems are not enough, the SEQWC, has now proposed the closure of a number of public accesses at Somerset and Wivenhoe dams. Others that have previously been access free will now be charged $5 per vehicle.

Some may ask, how are these current restrictions going to impact on fisherman. It may well be at this present level, not much, but the fear is, where will it stop. It is the principle that must be protected.

There is no doubt that the attitude of both Sunwater and SEQWC, is a serious threat to the traditional access and use of the recreational facilities at these impoundments. If commonsense cannot prevail in future negotiations, be prepared to having to pay for both access and fishing on these waters. At worst, the public could be denied totally of any use of these facilities.

Whether the Government wishes to or not, it is thought that eventually, they will have no choice. If you, as a fisherman, wish to continue your recreational activity, that you have previously enjoyed on public waters, you need to contact you local Member of Parliament immediately, and voice your concerns as strongly as possible. FFSAQ, along with SUNFISH, will be doing all in it's power to obtain an acceptable outcome with this issue. However, we cannot do it alone. We need your help.