Townsville City Council announces Ross River Dam to open recreational land-based fishing on May 12

There is good news for fishers keen to toss a line at the Ross River Dam, with recreational-land based fishing set to be open to the public six weeks earlier than planned. WHEN YOU CAN FISH >>>

Townsville City Council Division 4 councillor Kristian Price giving an update on the Ross River Dam land based fishing upgrades. Fishing will permitted at the dam by June. Picture: Chris Burns

There is good news for fishers keen to toss a line at the Ross River Dam, with recreational-land based fishing set to be open to the public six weeks earlier than planned.

Stage one of the project will open on May 12, the decision was finalised during Wednesday’s Ordinary Council Meeting with the councillors in attendance unanimously adopting the Recreational Use of Ross River Dam Policy.

In August 2024, Townsville City councillors voted to open the dam to recreational land-based fishing.

During the meeting concerns were raised on the algae blooms during hot months and the use of the recreational area while maintaining safe water quality, with Cr Paul Jacobs noting “it is our drinking water”.

Cr Suzy Batkovic asked if signs would be in place to advise swimmers of the potential presence of cyanobacteria, otherwise known as blue-green algae which blooms in warm conditions.

Local fishos Ian Moody and Graham Knight pretend that they're going fishing at Ross River Dam, while pointing out the local wildlife. that can be seen. Picture: Chris Burns.

Presenting officer Travis Richards advised that the current advice from the council was to not consume fish caught from the area and signs will be in place to advise swimmers of the risk of the blooms during summer months.

Councillors voted to divert $1.27m of the funds from the V8 Supercars track resurfacing due to community feedback, especially from keen fishers such as former councillor Mark Molachino and members of the barramundi restocking group.

Mr Molachino had previously expressed frustration over the project, saying fishing was being ignored.

Construction works at The Spit created an access path down the dam wall to the water, as well as a new set of access stairs from the carpark.

Additional construction over the coming weeks before the opening includes an amenities block, signage and CCTV.

Construction underway to Ross River Dam recreational upgrades.

Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney said it was great to see the recreational area opening soon.

“Living in North Queensland, we know just how much our community enjoys getting outdoors, so to be able to create a space where people of all abilities, from kids learning to bait their first hook, to mad-keen anglers, can drop a line is really special,” she said.

A big advocate for the change, division 4 councillor Kristian Price said allowing people to access the dam for recreational use was a “major priority” of his when he was elected to Townsville City Council.

“There has been interest from the community for years to get on the dam, and with the introduction of Barramundi in 2017 and restocking operations ever since, there is some monsters in there just screaming to be caught,” he said.

Local fishos meet with Division 10 candidate Brady Ellis, who advocates for Ross River Dam to open to fishing.

“We’ve worked closely with the Ross River Dam Stakeholder advisory group, and I know that they are extremely keen to see years of hard work pay off in the months to come,” Cr Ellis said.

“Hopefully with the community’s co-operation we will be able to implement further stages of recreational use of Ross River Dam in the years to come.

“With the Ross Dam the city’s main source of drinking water we need to make sure any human contact does not have any adverse effects.”

Stage 2 and 3 of the project will be dependant on Townsville City Council securing “external funding for the required infrastructure” such as new UV disinfection infrastructure at the Douglas Water Treatment Plant.

The further stages include developing the dam for recreational and commercial boating and fishing, as well as sports like waterskiing.

Part of the policy advised that the council may close the dam for recreational activities at its discretion due to water contamination, severe weather, health or safety concerns.

A petition was also put forward as the first agenda item calling for the stopping and investigation of the proposed Pinnacles Lithium Battery Storage Project.

The petitioners argued it is “dangerously close to the Ross River Damn Catchment Area”, saying the “hazardous chemicals” can contaminate the groundwater.

Cr Jacobs called the petition “incorrect” and “inappropriate” and said he cannot support the petition.

The petition was accepted by council with the respective council officers to investigate and provide a report.

Originally published as Townsville City Council announces Ross River Dam to open recreational land-based fishing on May 12