Fishing president critical of council’s dam snub

Plans to roll out recreational fishing at Ross River Dam seems to be ignored in the Townsville City Council’s controversial budget.

Local fishos Ian Moody and Graham Knight pretend that they're going fishing at Ross River Dam, already anticipating the weight of the barra they expect to catch. Picture: Chris Burns.

Recreational fishers believe the Townsville City Council have snubbed them in the budget by overlooking a $1.2m funding commitment, which would have opened up Ross River Dam for recreational fishing.

As far as Townsville Barramundi Fish Restocking Group president Rhyce Bullimore was concerned, the council had committed to allow fishing at the dam in a staged approach across three years

The total three stage approach is estimated to cost $20.5m, not including operational costs, of which more than half would be for ultraviolet treatment at the Douglas Water Treatment Plant which would have permitted water skiing on the dam.

But the first stage of $1.2m would have been used to develop land based fishing while developing toilet buildings, pathways, and security cameras and lighting.

He believed the council approved the three stages from the 2024/25 financial year.

Townsville Fish Restocking Group president Rhyce Bullimore.

“It’s this council’s responsibility to now find the money for that in the budget,” Mr Bullimore said.

“The community spoke and the council listened, they can’t stop the process now, they’re responsible to find the budget for it.”

The council did approve the three-staged approach last November under former Mayor Jenny Hill to complete the project which would allow boating and water activities.

Division 4 councillor Kristian Price said he was advocating to ensure fishing could happen at the dam, by bypassing red-tape. Picture: Supplied.

But there was a proviso in the council’s decision, which was that it was “subject to approval of budget”.

Former deputy mayor and division 4 councillor Mark Molachino pushed hard for the proposal in years past, helping release Barramundi into the waters and extolling the possible benefits.

“Who knows what exciting opportunities this could open up for Townsville, with concepts such as the Northern Territories’ Million Dollar Fish as an example,” he said in 2023.

“Boating on dams has been a contentious issue around Queensland but the combination of more modern, environmentally friendly engines and more effective dam management techniques means we should be looking at how, not if.”

Mayor Troy Thompson had been on leave when the 868.1m budget was adopted, and he said he would be seeking an explanation from the interim chief executive Joe McCabe as to why the funds were overlooked.

He sought consultation on social media about whether residents wanted fishing at Ross River Dam and what equipment they would use.

“Recreational fishing is one of the fastest growing sports in the world,” he said.

“Did you know that the Ross River Dam was stocked with over 120,000 barramundi several years ago, reports are they are up to one million now?”

Division 4 councillor Kristian Price said he would be advocating for fishing at the dam, and told Facebook followers to “stay tuned for updates”.

“Originally planned for July 2024, I’m committed to making this happen now, bypassing any unnecessary red tape that’s been delaying our fishing adventures.

“Anglers, rest assured that I’m advocating fiercely for you.

“This isn’t just about recreation, it’s about fostering community spirit and connecting with nature,” Mr Price said.

Originally published as Fishing president critical of council’s dam snub