Report to council looks at staged reopening of Ross River Dam to recreational fishing

The massive barramundi in Ross River Dam could soon be bending fishing rods after plans were flagged to open the dam to recreational fishers.

Townsville Fish Restocking Group president Rhyce Bullimore says local anglers could soon be hauling massive Barramundi from Ross River Dam.

Anglers who have dreamed about hauling in metre-plus barramundi from Ross River Dam will be excited to hear that a proposed staged opening of Ross River Dam to recreational fishers was close to reality.

Townsville Deputy Mayor Mark Molachino said on Tuesday that the council would consider a report at its November meeting into options for a staged opening of the dam for public use.

He said the full extent of the recreational use would need to be in stages, as infrastructure and investment were required, advocating for maximising the dam’s potential.

Mr Molachino said there had been substantial work done by council’s staff, engineers, and water and ecology experts to strike the right balance between the dam’s priority as a water supply for the people of Townsville and its potential for public access and use.

“The immediate opportunity is for land-based fishing with years of barramundi fingerling stocking at the dam by dedicated local groups likely to have created an exciting fishery for one of the world’s most famous sportfish,” Mr Molachino said.

Rhyce Bullimore and Cr Mark Molachino at Ross River Dam in 2019, which was stocked with barra fingerlings. Picture: Evan Morgan

“We anticipate that some of these iconic fish are nearing the coveted metre-long mark.

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

Cr Mark Molachino helped release Barramundi into the Ross River Dam in 2017.

“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,” he said.

Cr Mark Molachino helped release Barramundi into the Ross River Dam in 2017.

“These filters have been installed at other treatment plants such as in Cairns where recreational use is allowed on Cooperlode Dam,” he said.

President of the Townsville Barramundi Restocking Society, Rhyce Bullimore said his organisation had worked with the council to introduce in excess of 120,000 of the highly prized sportfish into the dam.

“We understand the need for a scientific approach, but we have been patient and we hope the report provides the road map to ensure this beautiful asset is opened to the public in the very near future,” Mr Bullimore said.

The report will be released following full council discussion on November 8, with Mr Molachino to then lead a community consultation phase.

A public meeting on the issue will take place at Townsville Stadium on November 27.

Originally published as Report to council looks at staged reopening of Ross River Dam to recreational fishing