Region-first trial for Darling Downs will attempt to save native animals

Native animals are under threat across the region, prompting one passionate organisation to kickstart a trial that is the first of its kind for regional Queensland.

Executives of the Western Downs Chapter of habitat restoration Ron Hinds. Peter Delaforce and Ethan Ward.

Crucial habitat restoration work will begin across the Darling Downs as a part of a one-of-a-kind trial for regional Queensland.

Australia’s fastest growing recreational fishing organisation, OzFish Unlimited, which is supported by BCF stores, is beginning a new chapter in the Darling Downs, supporting recreational fishers who want to improve the health of their local waterways.

Widespread loss of fish habitat across Australia has contributed to a decline in fish numbers in nearly all Darling Downs waterways.

In the Western Downs region, native fish are under threat by invasive European carp which compete with these fish for food and shelter.

OzFish project officer for the Northern Basin, Harry Davey, said the new initiative was crucial for the region.

“With fires, flood and the drought our local fish have really suffered and that has specifically impacted our inland rivers,” he said.

“Healthy fish habitats are important for the future of fishing but they also support important socio-economic activities like tourism bringing more people to regional areas.

“The chapter’s geographic region covers Dalby, Warra, Chinchilla, Miles, Drillham and Dulacca on the Warrego Highway heading west, and Condamine and Wandoan on the Leichhardt Highway heading north.”

The new chapter will also be looking at the impact of litter, fish passage, in stream structures, the introduction of fish screens on irrigation pumps and riparian planting projects.

Chapter president Peter Delaforce described the initiative as a “great opportunity” to rejuvenate what is a popular industry in the region.

“We will also be focusing on the reintroduction of riparian vegetation into Karingal Reserve in Miles,” he said

“We want to get anglers from all over this region to support this work by joining OzFish online.

“Local anglers are on the water every day and have a good idea what needs to be fixed in their local waterway.”