After considerable concern expressed by the general community, the Queensland Government has commissioned a survey to identify the extent of which increasing insurance premiums is having on community organizations. The survey is being conducted by the Queensland Events Corporation. Stocking Groups should have by now received a survey form. It is in your best interest to complete the form and return it to the Events Corporation by the 31st October 2001. It is difficult to see what the Government can do, but the future of a significant number of community based organizations will be in jeopardy if something is not forthcoming. It may not be too difficult to obtain liability cover for general incorporation requirements of the organization, but when it comes to covering events such as fishing competitions, the Insurers don't wish to know you. If they do, the premiums are exorbitant.

JUNGLE PERCH.

A research project to enhance the viability of jungle perch in south-east Queensland has passed the first stage of the QRIRAC process. The project has been submitted by the Queensland Fisheries Service after being put forward by FFSAQ. A more detailed submission is now being prepared for lodgement with QFIRAC, who will present the final document to FRDC for final approval. Two of the major objectives of the project are to determine the genetic variability, if any, of south-east Queensland stock, and to establish hatchery breeding techniques to enhance the wild fishery as well as the possibility of creating a stocked impoundment fishery. Existing stocks of wild jungle perch in southern Queensland are very scarce indeed, hence the necessity to implement a recovery strategy to hopefully ensure their survival. The Bribie Island Aquaculture Research Centre has been successful in obtaining some funding internally to begin preliminary work on the project. The broodstock for this trial was collected from Fraser Island.

SUNWATER - SIP.

Sunwater has now reconsidered it's position with regards to proposing that Lakes Dyer, Clarendon, and Gregory be taken off the SIP scheme. After negotiating with FFSAQ and the individual groups, Sunwater has now offered a compromise. Sunwater will not oppose the inclusion of these dams on the scheme on the proviso that formal recognition is received from the groups indicating acceptance that the storages may be emptied from time to time. It is considered that this is unlikely to be a problem, as historically, neither of these dams have ever been "emptied" to such a degree that it has effected fish survival. It is believed that the Callide Dam group has been offered a similar proposal.

FFSAQ HALF YEAR MEETING.

A half year meeting of stocking groups has been convened for the 8th December 2001 at Bjelke-Petersen Dam. This is to allow fish stocking groups to have more input and access to state executive members, and to raise issues of concern. There is always never enough time at the annual workshops to sufficiently discuss the issues that need more debate. FFSAQ invites all stocking groups to consider attending as it can only be of benefit to all parties.

CANIA DAM.

Cania Dam has now been drawn down to 3750 ML. This level is 250 ML below what was proposed to be released. At this point of time, no fish mortality has been recorded. QFS are monitoring the fishery on a monthly basis, and Sunwater has been recording water quality data. It is feared that either of two occurances will now have an adverse affect on this fishery. One is where the water temperature will rise during summer, causing stratification and subsequent loss of oxygen, and the other is when significant storm rains enter the system creating nutrient overloads. The cost of this monitoring by QFS is also a major concern. FFSAQ has been informed that QFS has insufficient base funds to carry out this monitoring process, without impacting on other stocking groups normal monitoring schedules. This is no way near acceptable as all other groups should be entitled to an expectation to receive ongoing service.

FRESHWATER MAC.

The Management Advisory Committee process appears to be in a state of disarray. As of the end of June this year, all MAC positions were terminated. It was expected that the Government/QFS would announce a new structure after the amalgamation of QFMA and DPI Fisheries. This has just not happened. However, it would appear that a "process" is being continued without any form of official structure. FFSAQ believes that a MAC concept is very productive, and surely is worthy of a formal process with official appointments etc. The Government last year undertook a significant review of the entire concept. It would appear however, there was no outcome.

AQUATIC INVADERS.

At Parliament House on the 18th October, the Primary Industries Minister, Henry Palaszczuk, launched a publication titled Aquatic Invaders - Exotic Pest Fish. The publication, produced by the Queensland Fisheries Service, is an education module aimed for upper primary and lower secondary schools. Aquatic Invaders is part of the education and awareness section of the Exotic Pest fish Strategy, and the QFS is to be applauded for this initiative. However, the funding of other sections of the strategy, such as restricting known outbreaks from further spread , is a real concern. There is NO funding allocated to implement any measures for this control. The Minister was queried on this at the launch. His reply was "Do not worry about that, funding will not be a problem". We will wait and see. There are presently two outbreaks that certainly need immediate implementation. None is more critical than the prevention of Tilapia spreading from the Barron catchment to the Mitchell River. Once tilapia infiltrate the Mitchell, the entire Gulf of Carpenteria fishery is compromised. The other is in south-east Queensland where it is feared that tilapia will spread from Boondooma Dam into the Barker Creek catchment.

FRESHWATER FISHING IN QLD.

A second and revised edition of Freshwater Fishing in Queensland - a Guide To Stocked Waters, has now been published by the Queensland Fisheries Service. This publication has become the Bible of freshwater fishing in Queeensland. It lists details of the water bodies, what fish species have been stocked, camping and other facilities that are available, fisheries regulations, and whether or not an SIP is required.. A host of other general information is also included to make it a valuable reference for anyone fishing freshwater in Queensland.

ANGLER EDUCATION.

FFSAQ is investigating the proposal to undertake a freshwater adult angler education course. There is at present junior freshwater , and other adult saltwater seminars run by other groups, but none catering for adult freshwater. With the significant and increasing interest in impoundment fishing, FFSAQ sees the need to also inform and educate adult anglers new to freshwater fishing. FFSAQ has in it's own ranks suitably qualified instructors to undertake this role.

DARWIN WORLD CONFERENCE.

A world conference on recreational fishing is to be held in Darwin in May 2002. It is understood that this forum will be a talkfest discussing existing ,emerging, and future trends throughout the world in regards to recreational fishing. The conference is to be held over four days, so there is no doubt that it will be quite extensive. For anyone wishing to attend or obtain information check their website www.wrfc3.com

NEXT FFSAQ MEETING.

The next meeting of FFSAQ will be held on Saturday 3rd November, at Kev Horseys residence, 110 Aspinall Street, Leichhardt. ALL WELCOME. Phone 32819203 to facilitate catering arrangements.

FFSAQ Inc.
PO Box 2025
Brighton Qld 4017
Fax: 07 3869 0385