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July 2001. (No.37)
CANIA DAM
In spite of all the letters to the Premier and Ministers, some 600
e-mails generated through the Internet, and numerous press releases,
the draw down of Cania will go ahead on or about the 2nd August. We
understand that QFS recommended 7,000 ML being left in the dam. This
appears to have also been ignored.
The initial draw down will be at 400 ML/day for 10 days, then 100ML/day
for another 20 days. This will reduce Cania from 10,000 ML down to 4,000
ML or approximately 4% of full supply capacity. A major problem with
this draw down has been the fact that nobody, including all the experts,
has any idea of how much water the fish in Cania will need to survive.
While Sunwater has copped most of the flack on this issue, we need to
be aware that they are only the providers, and are bound to operate
under the Interim Resource Operating Licenses (IROL's) set by DNR. It
is DNR who set the 'dead storage' levels based solely on the level they
can get out of the storage. (without the added cost of putting in pumps
to suck out the last little bit). The crux of this whole issue of ridiculously
low draw down levels, is that DNR perceive the irrigators to be the
only stakeholder. FFSAQ believes that while we may have lost this battle
we have by no means lost the war. The back lash, originally over Wuruma
some years ago, and now Cania, will force the Government to review the
IROL's on all storage's with a view to setting levels acceptable to
all stakeholders.
The bottom line on the Cania issue is that only Peter Beattie, (or the
Minister, Stephen Robertson) could have changed the final outcome. They
chose not to do so.
MONITORING AT CANIA DAM
FFSAQ understands that the QFS, with the assistance of the stocking
group, will be monitoring the effect of this draw down on the fishery.
The first survey is to be conducted prior to the 6000-ML release, another
half way through the release, and monthly thereafter. Sunwater will
be monitoring water quality. Hopefully this will provide some positive
information as to exactly how fish stocks are affected by low water
levels.
LAKES DYER, CLARENDON & GREGORY (ISIS BALANCING
STORAGE) TO BE TAKEN OFF SIP?
Sunwater want to take these storage's off the Stocked Impoundment
Permit Scheme. Their rationale is that these storage's are designed
to be emptied, so Sunwater is unable to guarantee adequate water levels
for the fishery. Both stocking groups, and the Laidley Shire Council
strongly oppose this move. FFSAQ has looked into this. Over the past
10 years there have been some very dry periods. Over this period none
of these three storage's has ever been emptied or even taken down to
a level where fish kills have resulted. 'Dead storage' levels, in these
storages, has always been sufficient to sustain fish life. FFSAQ is
opposed to these impoundments being taken off the SIP as drainage has
never been or is likely to be an issue. One can but wonder at the possible
hidden agenda behind Sunwater's proposal. FFSAQ has conveyed our position
to Sunwater, the Ministers involved and has also asked Sunfish and ANSA
for support. To date no further response from Sunwater. We will keep
you informed of the outcome.
ANOTHER DRAWDOWN FOR WURUMA DAM
An agreement was reached with DNR, the irrigators, the stocking
group and QFS, that Wuruma would not be taken down to below 2000 ML.
There is presently about 2,900 ML in the storage. It appears that Sunwater
now proposes to remove the 900-ML in a final release. We would all prefer
this final release not to take place, as at this stage, the fishery
remains in an relatively healthy condition. However the bottom line
is that this release remains within the parameters of the DNR/Stocking
group agreement.
QFS AND THE LACK OF SUPPORT ON WATER RELEASE ISSUES
A number of groups have raised concerns that the QFS and the Minister
have failed to be adequately emphatic in publicly stating their concerns
in regards to the Cania issue. FFSAQ raised these concerns with QFS.
In response, QFS informs us that in regards to Cania they recommended
7000 ML being left in the storage.
Also, they advised, that they have been (we quote)'consistent in
the public arena and in discussions with other agencies in relaying
its concerns in relation to this release'. They go on to say that
it is inappropriate for government agencies to publicly debate issues
such as this. They are 'disappointed with FFSAQ's lack of appreciation
for the role taken by QFS and the appropriate role for government agencies
to take'.
So, all you doubters, there you have it. You are being well supported
by your QFS on the Cania issue, but you are not supposed to know about
it. Make sense out of that one if you can?
LAKE SAMSONVALE GROUP (PRFMA) TRAILER AND VISITOR
PERMITS
The Pine Rivers Fish Management Assn have asked us to convey the
following to all our stocking associations. (1): They have built a fish
transportation trailer. This will be available to all FFSAQ affiliated
groups to use at no charge except the cost of replacing any oxygen that
you use. This is a heavy duty trailer needing a Landcruiser or equivalent
for towing. (2): The group has also set aside 5 fishing permits for
the use of FFSAQ affiliated visiting stocking group members at a cost
of $5.00 per day. Bookings are required for both the trailer and permits,
and can be made on 0417 742023.
SIP PERMITS
Not all groups are happy with the way the funds have been allocated.
Some of the more heavily fished groups are concerned that they are over-subsidising
some of the very large impoundments where there is very little angling
pressure. Obviously, the argument from the larger groups will be that
if they do not get sufficient funds, they will never be able to lift
the quality of their fishery to a degree where the fishery attracts
a better level of angler participation. In situations like this it is
very difficult to make everybody happy. However having said this, if
the consensus of opinion amongst the 25 groups on the SIP is that more
emphasis should be placed on angling pressure and less on impoundment
area, then this can be easily achieved by changing these two components
in the allocation formula. We would hope that Bernadette Kerby, the
Chair of the Freshwater Mac SIP sub committee, will ensure that the
sub committee is provided with a consensus of the opinions of all the
25 groups on the SIP prior to making the 2002 allocations.
MARY RIVER COD PRODUCTION
Concerns have been raised by a number of groups regarding the unavailability
of Mary River cod from the one hatchery registered by QFS to sell to
the public. FFSAQ has agreed to give this hatchery one more go. If this
hatchery fails to produce fingerlings this season, we would expect QFS
to provide an alternative, more productive and reliable hatchery next
season.
A more recent concern, , is the price this hatchery is quoting.At $1.30
to $1.40 a fingerling this is almost double the cost of Murray River
cod. Is this an elevated price due to the lack of competition?
RAFFLE DONORS - MAROON WORKSHOP
FFSAQ wishes to acknowledge the support given by various individuals/business
for donating raffle prizes at the Maroon Workshop. There is insufficient
room here to list them, but be assured your contributions are appreciated.
Funds raised by means such as this, allow FFSAQ to be more effective
in enhancing the freshwater fishery. Thank you very much.
NEXT FFSAQ GENERAL MEETING DATE IS AUGUST 25 TH KEV HORSEYS RESIDENCE.
ALL MEMBERS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND.
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