Labor promises $5m boat ramp for Townsville fishos

Fishing enthusiasts are gearing up for what could be a game-changer at Ross River Dam, as the Labor pledges a $5m investment for a boat ramp and landside facilities if re-elected.

Thuringowa MP Aaron Harper and Assistant Minister Bruce Saunders at Ross River Dam. They have promised $5m to develop a boat ramp if the Labor Government was elected.

Townsville fishos preparing their bait and eyeing up the barramundi in the untouched Ross River Dam have been promised a $5m boat ramp from the Labor Government if it gets in another term.

Thuringowa MP Aaron Harper said the ramp and landside facilities would untap further potential from one of the most promising barramundi fisheries in Queensland.

He said infrastructure would help increase accessibility for recreational boating, fishing and waterskiing, although these activities were part of a more expensive staged approach identified by the Townsville City Council.

“There should be no barriers to a barra bonanza in Thuringowa,” Mr Harper said, borrowing his phrase from a previous interview with the Bulletin about Ross River Dam funding.

“Townsville is a recreational fishing and boating hotspot and I want to see people have a chance to catch the fish of a lifetime in our city.

Assistant Minister Bruce Saunders, Townsville Barramundi Restocking Association secretary Bobby Holman and Thuringowa MP Aaron Harper at Ross River Dam.

“Fishing is a way of life in Townsville and the Miles Labor Government will always back our local anglers.

“I’d like to thank representatives from the Townsville Barramundi Restocking Group and Queensland Recreational Fishing Network for their advocacy, it’s great to see this project move forward.”

For years there have been calls for the Townsville City Council to develop the basic infrastructure needed to allow fishing at the dam, and only recently has it begun its staged approach to allow this to happen.

Townsville Barramundi Restocking Association secretary Bobby Holman, Assistant Minister Bruce Saunders, Thuringowa MP Aaron Harper at look out over Ross River Dam, which is owned by the Townsville City Council.

The council initially snubbed the $1.27m from its annual budget to develop a section at the dam known as the spit, eventually diverting it from V8 track resurfacing.

It is understood that the state government, through Fisheries Minister Mark Furner, was keen to see the council take ownership of development before it could offer further support.

Townsville Barramundi Restocking Group president Rhyce Bullimore said he supported the commitment because of how it would accelerate the next stage of work at the dam.

“We’ve been stocking the dam since 2017 and have been working hard to open it up for recreational fishing,” he said.

“Plus with more than 120,000 barra in the dam, there’s a chance for anyone to land a metrey which will make anyone happy.”

Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Jobs Bruce Saunders said fishing is important for regional economies.

“Our government recognises the social and economic value that recreational boating and fishing brings to our region.”

Originally published as Labor promises $5m boat ramp for Townsville fishos