Community & Business
21 July, 2025
25 years of fish stocking scheme
The Queensland Government is marking 25 years of one of the most successful recreational fishing initiatives in the State.
Queensland’s inland fishing program, the Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme (SIPS), was introduced in 2000 and has since grown from 25 dams to 63 impoundments.
To celebrate, the “SIPS 25” fishing competition will be held in the September school holidays at SIPS destinations across the State.
Fisheries Queensland is teaming up with the Freshwater Fishing and Stocking Association of Queensland and fish-stocking groups for the competition with a swag of prizes on the line.
The LNP Government says after a decade of Labor’s anti-fishing agenda, Queensland’s recreational fishers and fish stocking groups can now feel confident that the Government supports them and their growth.
The LNP says it defies logic that Labor was planning to do away with fisheries science altogether.
In the recent Budget, $13 million was earmarked for scientific capability and 38 public servants will keep their jobs.
Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said the Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme was a major part of Queensland’s $2.5 billion recreational fishing industry.
“The work of volunteer stocking groups should not be understated, it creates opportunities for tourists and locals alike to enjoy fishing and camping at these facilities,” Mr Perrett said.
“In the last year 3.2 million fingerlings including barramundi, Australian bass, golden perch, silver perch and Murray cod have been released.
“I encourage local businesses to join forces with local stocking volunteer groups to make this year’s competition one to remember.”
The funds from the sale of permits, covers the management of the scheme as well as stocking the impoundments and supporting regional aquaculture businesses that supply fingerlings.
The program relies on the hard work of volunteer fish-stocking groups, stock impoundments across Queensland guaranteeing year-round recreational fishing.
Waterways included in the Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme within reach of the local area include Cecil Plains Weir, Connolly Dam, Cooby Dam, Coolmunda Dam, Glenlyon Dam, Lake Dyer (Bill Gunn Dam), Lemon Tree Weir, Leslie Dam, Talgai Weir, Wivenhoe Dam, Somerset Dam and Yarramalong Weir.
