Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme working group

The Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme Working Group (SIPSWG) provide advice to Fisheries Queensland on the operation, guidelines and funding associated with the Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme (SIPS).

• 23 April 2018

  The SIPS Working Group met for its annual meeting in Brisbane on the 23 April 2018.

  Fisheries Queensland provided an update on the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy and proposed legislation changes to the Fisheries Act 1994. The working group was advised that communiques from each meeting will be posted online and through Facebook to keep all stakeholders up to date on what’s happening.

  The working group was unsure how the funding, collected through the recreational use fee (RUF) on boating registration, was currently being used. A number of working group members believed that a recreational fishing licence would help enhance freshwater fishing in Queensland. Fisheries Queensland advised that it receives approximately $5 million from the RUF each year, with funds going into the fisheries management and compliance. The working group noted that the Queensland Government does not currently support a recreational fishing licence.

  The working group welcomed the new SIPS webpage to help encourage fishers to participate in the SIPS scheme. The working group recommended the webpage link to buy a permit be amended to include the word ‘fishing’ so there is no confusion about the type of permit. Fisheries Queensland also provided an update on SIPS revenue to date, activities to promote SIPS, three new videos on SIPS being released, updates to the permit sales system and SIPS policies.

  Fisheries Queensland sought feedback on the proposed phase out of the iPad agents to focus on improving the purchase of permits through Australia Post stores and online. The working group noted the potential savings and supported the approach. They also suggested small businesses, like tackle shops and tourist parks, could assist customers via their own computers or tablets in return for a link to their business on the SIPS webpage.

  Fisheries Queensland provided an update on the SIPS acquittals for the 2017 grants. The working group notes a number of carry over applications which were supported. The working group noted that Fisheries Queensland will adjust the grant process by deferring part of the June SIPS revenue each year to improve the allocation process, rather than having to readjust grants early in the new financial year. The working group supported the process and deferral of $55 000 to the next financial year.

  Fisheries Queensland advised that over 3300 people completed the survey of SIPS permit holders was conducted in March 2018 to gain a better understanding of where people fish. The working group then considered a number of allocation models for the 2018 grants. After discussion the working group recommended amending last year’s formula so it’s based on 50 per cent allocated by surface area capped at 4000 hectares and 50 per cent allocated by the SIPS permit holder participation rate at dams and weirs. It also continues the minimum $500 allocation, fishing area available and a maximum of 70 per cent of total stocking allocation from SIPS.

  The working group recommended the allocation for recovery fund be limited to extreme stocked fish kills with supporting evidence of such events. The working group supported allocating funding for the Freshwater Fishing and Stocking Association of Queensland (FFSAQ) to continue to provide education on freshwater fishing, stocking and pest fish. The working group recommended that FFSAQ look at expanding their program to include Central and Northern Queensland next year. The working group also supported funding a Mary River Cod workshop in South East Queensland to improve understanding, stocking and conservation of this important species for Queensland. All applications for marketing items will be referred back to stocking groups to apply for ‘alternative use’ from their SIPS grant funding. Fisheries Queensland has agreed to organise a state-wide stocking workshop, in October 2018, with the remaining community engagement funding to bring stocking groups together to improve the SIPS program, share learnings and develop expertise within stocking groups.

  Fisheries Queensland gave an update on the Murry Darling Basin Authority funded FishGen Project to collect genetic material to identify stocked versus wild stocks of Murry Cod. Information was also provided on a FRDC funded Fish Attracting Device/Habitat Project at Cressbrook Dam aimed at enhancing fishing in SIPS impoundments. The working group welcomed these projects to gain a better understanding of the impacts of stocking and how habitat or fish attracting devices could improve the recreational fishing experience on SIPS impoundments.

  Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) provided an update on SIPS compliance. Key issues are customers not able to produce permits for inspection and incorrect size and possession limits on stocking group web pages. The working group recommended that information be sent to stocking groups advising them to link to Fisheries Queensland’s webpage for all fishing rules. Updating education materials would also help people understand the rules.

  The working group discussed developing a long term vision of SIPS to align with the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy. To start the process the working group identified the following issues and potential solutions:

  • Improved monitoring of impoundments – We know the number of fish going into our impoundments but we do not have good information on the fish coming out. Being able to identify stocked fish versus wild fish and the impacts of stocking. Improving habitat and using of fish attracting devices (FADs) to improve user satisfaction through improved catch rates. Options include expanding the keen angler and boat ramp survey programs to impoundments with stocking group members assisting.
  • Identified a need to attract younger members and get them involved in fish stocking to ensure the future of stocking groups and the SIPS scheme. The working group recommended using social media more and running a ‘join a stocking group’ promotion where members could get a discount on their SIPS permit, increased SIPS grant allocation or vouchers from tackle stores that sponsor the program.
  • Consider moving to a SIPS grant allocation process that factors in each impoundments harvest methods (i.e. catch and release versus retaining fish). The survey of SIPS permit holders conducted in 2018 indicates that the majority of fish are released with a trend of increasing harvest (take) the further you move away from the east coast of Queensland.
  • Improved education including the benefit of taking fish based on each impoundment stocking program.
  • Considering specific fishing rules for impoundments. The working group noted that Fisheries Queensland would consider this as part of the Fisheries Regulation review in 2019, but that no decisions have been made.
  • Better options to carry permits while fishing, including better use of technology.

  The SIPS Working Group members are: Kimberly Foster (Chair, Fisheries Queensland), Steve Brooks (Representative, Fisheries Queensland), Daniel Smith (Representative, Fisheries Queensland), Robin Caddy (Delegate, Freshwater Fishing and Stocking Association of Queensland) Joe LeGrady (Delegate, Freshwater Fishing and Stocking Association of Queensland), Garry Fitzgerald (Member, South East), Trevor Saunders (Member, South East. Apology for meeting), Bob Reid (Member, Murray Darling), Daryl Cupitt (Member, Central), Terry McGeachin (Member, Northern), Ian Leighton (Member, Northern).

• 3 - 4 November 2018: workshop

  The 2018 Freshwater fishing and fish stocking workshop proceedings is the proceedings (PDF, 1.2MB) from the state-wide fish stocking workshop held at Warwick in November 2018.

  Key outcomes of the workshop include the development of a stocking action plan, a stocking policy, cost effective monitoring plan and input for the review of the Fisheries Act 1994 and Fisheries Regulation 2008.

• 8 May 2019

  The Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme Working Group met for its annual meeting in Brisbane on 8 May 2019.

  Fisheries Queensland provided the working group an update on progress with implementation of actions identified in the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy (SFS) and other recent fisheries management changes.

  Fisheries Queensland provided an update on freshwater fisheries management including pest fish, promotion of SIPS, SIPS permit sales channels, the SIPS webpage, fish attracting structure trials and recent fish kills. Members also provided an update on key issues impacting their stocking regions.

  An update was provided on the outcomes of the Freshwater Fishing and Fish Stocking Workshop held in November 2018 including, progress on the development of a stocking action plan and stocking policy. Key elements of the stocking action plan includes development of a stocking policy, a cost effective monitoring plan, compliance, promotion, review of freshwater fishing rules and regulations and extension and support for fish stocking groups. The action plan and stocking policy is scheduled to be released for consultation mid this year. The working group supported holding further Freshwater Fishing and Fish Stocking workshops every two years.

  The working group noted a number of proposed changes to the fisheries regulations relating to Mary River cod, Murray cod, non-indigenous fish and process for adding and removing SIPS impoundments. Consultation on proposed changes will occur later this year.

  Fisheries Queensland provided the working group with an update on the SIPS acquittals received and outstanding acquittals for the 2018 Grant. The working group noted a number of carry over applications which were all supported.

  Fisheries Queensland advised that a survey of SIPS permit holders was conducted in April 2019 to gain a better understanding of SIPS dams and weirs fished, catch and fishing behaviour. Over 5,500 permit holders completed the short survey. It was noted that future surveys should include a validation process to ensure only permit holders can take part in the survey. The survey results were incorporated into the allocation formula for the 2019 SIPS grants.

  The working group looked at a number of allocation models for the 2019 grants. After discussion the majority of the working group supported applying last year’s allocation formula with 50% of funds allocated by surface area capped at 4,000 hectares maximum with available fishing area and the remaining 50% of funds allocated by the SIPS permit holder participation rate at dams and weirs. It also continues the minimum $500 allocation and the maximum of 70% of total stocking allocation from SIPS.

  The working group discussed the two applications for disaster recovery funding which were both supported. The working group also identified a need to further refine the guideline for disaster recovery funding to ensure it only applies to extreme fish kills or fish loss with supporting evidence.

  In line with the Expenditure of SIPS funds for Community Engagement Guideline, the working group supported funding for the Freshwater Fishing and Stocking Association of Queensland (FFSAQ) to continue to provide education on freshwater fishing, stocking and pest fish. The working group recommended FFSAQ apply for further funding to include travel to events in Central and Northern Queensland.

  Fisheries Queensland gave an update on the draft monitoring plan for freshwater including the new Impoundment Boat Ramp Surveys that are about to commence throughout the state and discussed further monitoring opportunities for our impoundment fisheries. The working group welcomed this project and the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the catch and fishing behaviour at SIPS impoundments including catch rates, species composition, length of fish retained and fishing effort at impoundments. Incentives for stocking groups to participate in the survey were discussed, including an option for some money to be provided to groups to cover the travel costs associated with conducting the surveys.

  One of the members provided a presentation to the working group on the monitoring being undertaken on North Pine Dam.

  The SIPS Working Group members are: Kimberly Foster (Chair, Fisheries Queensland), Steve Brooks (Representative, Fisheries Queensland), Daniel Smith (Representative, Fisheries Queensland), Charlie Ladd (Delegate, Freshwater Fishing and Stocking Association of Queensland) Joe Legrady (Delegate, Freshwater Fishing and Stocking Association of Queensland), Garry Fitzgerald (Member, South East), Noel Frost (Member, South East.), Bob Reid (Member, Murray Darling), Greg Green (Member, Burnett), Daryl Cupitt (Member, Central), Terry McGeachin (Member, Northern), Ian Leighton (Member, Northern).

• 23 April 2020

  The Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme Working Group met for its annual meeting on the 23rd of April 2020.

  Members provided an update on key issues impacting their stocking regions. These were primarily the drought conditions in South and West Queensland and reduced numbers of fingerlings available across the industry.

  Fisheries Queensland provided an update on freshwater fisheries management including SIPS revenue, promotion of SIPS, progress on the stocking policy, updates on the regulation changes in September 2019, and the impacts of COVID 19. The draft stocking policy and draft monitoring guidelines (under the stocking action plan) are expected to be released for consultation in the coming months. The working group noted a number of changes to the fisheries regulations relating to Mary River cod, Murray cod and Australian bass.

  There was a brief discussion of the 2020 Stocking workshop noting that this would now be postponed to the 2021-22 financial year due to the drop in SIPS revenue and ongoing restrictions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This resulted in $40,000 of the community engagement funding being returned to the pool. Fisheries Queensland thanked the Mackay Area Fish Stocking Association and FFSAQ for their preliminary work in this space.

  Fisheries Queensland provided the working group with an update on the SIPS acquittals received and outstanding acquittals for the 2019 Grant. The working group noted a number of carry over applications which were all supported. The group endorsed a position that all acquittals for this financial year be submitted by 9 May 2020 or requests for carryover will not be granted and groups will be required to re-pay their funds or have their 2020 grant reduced. In the future, acquittals not received by 30 April will also have this condition imposed.

  Fisheries Queensland advised that a survey of SIPS permit holders was conducted in April 2020 to gain a better understanding of SIPS dams and weirs fished, catch and fishing behaviour. Over 1,900 permit holders completed the short survey in the new system that included a validation process to ensure only permit holders can take part in the survey. The survey results were incorporated into the allocation formula for the 2020 SIPS grants.

  The working group looked at a number of allocation models for the 2020 grants. After discussion the majority of the working group supported an allocation formula with 30% of funds allocated by surface area capped at 4,000 hectares maximum with available fishing area and the remaining 70% of funds allocated by the SIPS permit holder participation rate at dams and weirs. It also continues the minimum $500 allocation and the maximum of 70% of total stocking allocation from SIPS.

  In line with the Expenditure of SIPS funds for Community Engagement Guideline, the working group supported funding for the Freshwater Fishing and Stocking Association of Queensland (FFSAQ) to continue to provide education on freshwater fishing, stocking and pest fish. The working group recommended FFSAQ continue to work with groups in Northern Queensland.

  The working group also considered changes to the current Guideline on the expenditure of Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme (SIPS) funds for purposes other than fingerlings and allocation of recovery funds. There was agreement to work on further edits to the guideline to remove administrative and membership costs and replace this with access to allocated sips funds under a financial hardship provision. The working groups also endorsed updating the suite of current SIPS guideline documents into a single guideline for the SIPS program which will be progressed in the coming months.

  Stocking groups are also reminded of their responsibility to provide sufficient information with their applications to enable thorough assessment by the working group, application forms will progressively be updated to make this expectation clearer.

  Fisheries Queensland gave an update on the Impoundment Boat Ramp Surveys that had been undertaken in 2019-20 and of the results to date. The working group welcomed the discussion on future improvements and a survey of stocking groups to seek their views on monitoring needs and capacity.

  Due to the extraordinary circumstances the working group agreed to meet again in August 2020 (conditions allowing) to discuss a broader range of issues, including information sharing on fingerling availability. The Chair and Fisheries Queensland staff would like to thank the working group members for their patience and participation under difficult circumstances.

  The SIPS Working Group members are: Kimberly Foster (Chair, Fisheries Queensland), Thomas Hart (Representative, Fisheries Queensland), Charlie Ladd (Delegate, Freshwater Fishing and Stocking Association of Queensland) Joe Legrady (Delegate, Freshwater Fishing and Stocking Association of Queensland), Garry Fitzgerald (Member, South East), Noel Frost (Member, South East.), Bob Reid (Member, Murray Darling), Greg Green (Member, Burnett), Daryl Cupitt (Member, Central), Terry McGeachin (Member, Northern), Ian Leighton (Member, Northern).

• 20 August 2020

  he Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme Working Group (the Working Group) met for an extraordinary meeting, via teleconference due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation, on 20 August 2020.

  Fisheries Queensland provided a general update on progress in the SIPS and freshwater fisheries program. It was noted that Tony Ham (Principal Manager, Trawl and Net Fisheries) has taken over the role of Chair of the Working Group.

  The working group noted that there were significant spikes in revenue at the end of last financial year and the start of the 2020 financial year (sales have been up around $10,000-$20,000 a month) since state-based travel restrictions put in place for COVID-19 eased. It is hoped that this increased interest in fishing at SIPS impoundments will carry through once inter-state and international travel restrictions ease.

  The Working Group was advised that the draft Stocking Policy has been open for comment since 1 July 2020. Fisheries Queensland advised that there has been limited responses to date, and all groups and individuals are encouraged to provide feedback before it closes for consultation on 31 August 2020.

  The working group noted that the existing SIPS Guidelines are due for renewal and to bring them in line with current Queensland Government financial and governance requirements. Fisheries Queensland are working on a renewed guideline which combines all existing guidelines into a single document. It is intended that this will be released for consultation.  The main points of the guideline are to:

  • Update the carryover guidance to improve clarity of requirements;
  • Incorporate the previously discussed changes to the alternative use of funding;
  • Align dates for the submission of acquittals, carryover requests, and applications for community engagement and disaster relief funding to simplify administration requirements; and
  • Include principles, process and requirements to be met for allocation of SIPS funds each year.

  Once approved, the guideline would be the basis for all decision making under the SIPs Scheme.  The guideline would be reviewed from time to time to ensure it keeps pace with best practice managements, community expectations and governance requirements. Other documents to be reviewed and incorporate include the previously proposed guideline for adding and removing SIPS impoundments and the Terms of Reference for the SIPS Working Group.

  The Working Group also discussed the current process of rotating members. In line with other fishery working groups, Fisheries Queensland recommended this process be a biennial process, meaning every two years there would be a nomination process to appoint members for two years, with the option for some members to be renewed for a further term to provide continuity.  This will be incorporated into the single SIPS Guideline.

  There was an additional discussion about GST registration for SIPS groups. The working group supported a view that groups that receive more than $2,000 in SIPS revenue should be GST registered. This will be considered as part of the update to the SIPS Guidelines.

  Fisheries Queensland presented the working group with an overview of the proposed Monitoring Guideline for Stocked Impoundments. The working group were comfortable with the overall direction of the guideline. A first draft has been prepared and consultation will initially begin with the working group. Members also discussed two options for pursuing a monitoring app for use in stocked impoundments to assist clubs in meeting monitoring requirements.  Further discussions will continue on this topic.

  The Working Group noted that there are ongoing discussions on the 2021-2022 Stocking Workshop. Fisheries Queensland advised that it remains subject to COVID-19 requirements and if delivered in mid to late 2021 would be held in regional Queensland.

  The working group also noted that Fisheries Queensland has committed budget and resources to undertake additional engagement prior to the 2021 Angler Participation Survey to encourage better uptake of the survey. This includes additional time (one month) to respond to the survey and improved messaging to encourage fishers to register their e-mail with their SIPS permit.  It was also noted that some technical fixes were required to avoid e-mail congestion and bounce backs as much as possible.

  It was noted that there has been some interest from both Hatcheries and Stocking Groups in improving cross communication. There was a general discussion about ways to improve this. Fisheries Queensland does maintain a list of hatcheries with a development approval on the Department’s website. FFSAQ will share this link in their regular correspondence.

  The creation of material for a SIPS Fishing Trail was discussed by the Working Group. The scheme received a significantly larger than expected sale of SIPS permits during June. This resulted in the need to execute an additional grant in order to disperse all SIPS revenue before the end of financial year. This SIPS Fishing Trail grant will provide benefit to all stocking groups state-wide and is aimed at growing participation to increase revenue received by the program. Increased participation and promotion of the SIPS scheme has been a key focus of the Working Group and Fisheries Queensland for some time.

  Fisheries Queensland will work with FFSAQ on this project and there will be opportunities for input from the working group as well as individual stocking groups. The aim of this project is to increase uptake of SIPS fishing, particularly in rural and regional Queensland from the traveling public and assist fishers to get the best out of their time at SIPS dams. It is anticipated that this guide will be available in print and electronic media. Fisheries will send out a request shortly for information from clubs to form the basis of the guide.

  One of the members provided a presentation to the working group on the monitoring and fish aggregating structure (FAS) work being undertaken on North Pine Dam. There was also a general discussion on how this work could be adopted in other locations. Fisheries noted that the current research projects into the design and use of freshwater FAS’s were continuing, and that expansion of the FAS program would be contingent on the outcomes of this research.

  The SIPS Working Group members are: Tony Ham (Chair, Fisheries Queensland), Thomas Hart (Representative, Fisheries Queensland), Charlie Ladd (Delegate, Freshwater Fishing and Stocking Association of Queensland), Joe Legrady (Delegate, Freshwater Fishing and Stocking Association of Queensland), Garry Fitzgerald (Member, South East), Noel Frost (Member, South East.), Bob Reid (Member, Murray Darling), Greg Green (Member, Burnett), Daryl Cupitt (Member, Central), Terry McGeachin (Member, Northern), Ian Leighton (Member, Northern).

• 22 April 2021

  The Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme Working Group met for its annual meeting in via teleconference on the 22 April 2021.

  New members of the Working Group were welcomed and provided an introduction and update on their regions and groups. Some topics raised by members included issues with fingerling supply, updates on habitat work and the increase in water levels in some of the impoundments following recent rainfall. The Working Group also requested that Fisheries Queensland look at any options for improving the reissue/reminder process for expiring SIPS permits.

  FFSAQ provided an update on planning for the Freshwater Fisheries Workshop, progress on the SIPS trail guide and fish trailer display events. Fisheries Queensland provided an update on freshwater fisheries management including the release of the stocking policy, the establishment of a freshwater Working Group, and development of the monitoring guideline. QBFP provided a verbal compliance update to the group and a written report will be circulated to the Working Group at a later date.

  The SIPS Working Group discussed the draft SIPS Guideline and endorsed its distribution for further consultation once Fisheries Queensland obtained final clearances. Fisheries Queensland will request further feedback from the Working Group and the broader SIPS community. The group also discussed whether existing SIPS groups should be required to register for GST.

  Fisheries Queensland provided the Working Group with an update on the SIPS acquittals received and outstanding acquittals for the 2020 Grant. The Working Group noted several carry over applications which were all supported, noting that some applications would be subject to carry over limits. The Working Group noted there were a number of outstanding acquittals and encouraged these stocking groups to reach out if they need help. If acquittals are not received by 30 April 2021 this may affect 2021 grants.

  Fisheries Queensland advised that a survey of SIPS permit holders was conducted in March-April 2021. Members of the Working Group raised several issues in relation to this year’s survey including difficulties with the log-on process. Due to low participation the survey has been extended to the end of April 2021 and modifications made to the log-on process. SIPS holders are encouraged to complete the survey at their earliest convenience. A summary of the outcomes and options for use in the SIPS allocation process will be circulated to the Working Group out of session and a discussion held before a final recommendation is made on allocations.

  The Working Group discussed the allocation formula presented in the guideline. After discussion, the majority of the Working Group supported applying the guideline allocation formula with 40% of funds allocated by surface area capped at 4,000 hectares maximum with available fishing area and the remaining 60% of funds allocated by the SIPS permit holder participation rate at dams and weirs. It also continues the minimum $500 allocation and the maximum of 70% of total stocking allocation from SIPS.

  The Working Group discussed the one application for Community Engagement Funding by FFSAQ for the running of the Freshwater Fisheries Workshop on 9 & 10 October in Mackay. This was supported by all Working Group members.

  If SIPS stocking groups require assistance at any time they are encouraged to contact DAF, Working Group members or FFSAQ for support.

  The meeting concluded at 2:30 pm.

  The SIPS Working Group members are: Tony Ham (Chair, Fisheries Queensland), Thomas Hart (Representative, Fisheries Queensland), John Dexter (Representative, Fisheries Queensland),  Charlie Ladd (Delegate, Freshwater Fishing and Stocking Association of Queensland) Kaidon Anderson (Delegate, Freshwater Fishing and Stocking Association of Queensland), Garry Fitzgerald (Member, South East), Noel Frost (Member, South East.), Bob Reid (Member, Murray Darling), Phillip Lamb (Member, Murray Darling) Greg Green (Member, Burnett), Daryl Cupitt (Member, Central), Josh Lyon (Member, Northern), Ian Leighton (Member, Northern).

  Observer/s: Rebecca Johnson (Graduate, Fisheries Queensland)

  Presenter/s: Coby Walker (QBFP)

• 12 May 2022

  The Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme Working Group met for its annual meeting in via teleconference on 12 May 2022.

  New members of the Working Group were welcomed and it was noted two members had resigned from the Working Group since the previous meeting. The Group welcomed a non-participatory observer to the meeting from Warwick Fish Stocking Association Inc. Members provided an update on their regions and groups. The impacts of flooding on fish and infrastructure were noted in most regions. This included loss of fish over dam walls, fish kills and potential damage to fish attracting structures. It was noted there were increased numbers of people fishing in some impoundments in the northern region.

  FFSAQ provided an update on planning for the Freshwater Fisheries Workshop which is scheduled for October 2022, progress on the SIPS trail guide which is expected to be completed by the end of the financial year and fish trailer display events. Fisheries Queensland provided an update on freshwater fisheries management including staffing changes, development of the monitoring guideline and an update from the freshwater Working Group meeting. QBFP provided a verbal compliance update to the group. Compliance rates were relatively high within freshwater rivers and impoundments with failure to mark traps, fishing in closed waters, use of set lines, take of undersize fish and failure to have SIPS permit the most common offences. The Working Group noted non-compliance in relation to SIPS permits remains a concern and requested further information regarding percentage of cautions versus fines for SIPS related offences.

  Fisheries Queensland provided the Working Group with an update on the SIPS acquittals received and outstanding acquittals for the 2021 Grant. The Working Group noted several carry over applications which were all supported. The working group noted further applications for carry over were expected, including one which would be for a carry over of greater than two years of funding. The Working Group did not support any applications involving the carry over of greater than two years of funding which is consistent with the Guideline on the Administration of Queensland’s Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme. The Working Group noted there were a small number of outstanding acquittals.

  Fisheries Queensland advised a survey of SIPS permit holders was conducted in March-April 2021. The Working Group noted there was a significant improvement in survey participation this year due to several survey modifications. This included the removal of the login requirement and an option to enter a random number to take the survey anonymously.

  The Working Group noted the indicative allocations based on the formula in the Guideline on the Administration of Queensland’s Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme. It was noted the total SIPS revenue for this year was tracking to be similar to last year. The Working Group supported further investigation of utilising an average for angler participation as part of the allocation formula for SIPS.

  The Working Group discussed the one application for Community Engagement Funding by FFSAQ for funding the Native and Pest Fishing Education Display calendar of events for 2022/23. This was supported by all Working Group members. In addition, there were two applications for three impoundments for disaster recovery funding. Ten thousand dollars in total are made available each year through the SIPS scheme to support stocking groups after major fish kills/losses The Working Group supported an equal allocation of the funding available between the three impoundments who applied.

  The working group was introduced to Mr Dallas D’Silva who has recently joined Fisheries Queensland as Executive Director. The working group noted his experiences in Victorian fisheries management and welcomed his views on further development of freshwater fisheries in Queensland.

  The Working Group discussed a proposal to trial the stocking of jungle perch in suitable impoundments. The Working Group supported a trial of stocking jungle perch. The working group noted that funding should be sourced from multiple locations.  It was noted that groups involved in the trials may use their SIP’s funds for fingerlings if they were in the management plan or permit.

  Expanding the SIPS program to include redclaw, modernisation of stocking groups and a proposal by SEQ water to make Wivenhoe Dam a marine zone were issues raised by the Working Group for further discussion.

  The working group agreed that the next meeting should occur in October 2022.

  The SIPS Working Group members are: Tony Ham (Chair, Fisheries Queensland), Thomas Hart (Representative, Fisheries Queensland), John Dexter (Representative, Fisheries Queensland),  Christelle Legrand (Representative, Fisheries Queensland), Charlie Ladd (Delegate, Freshwater Fishing and Stocking Association of Queensland) Kaidon Anderson (Delegate, Freshwater Fishing and Stocking Association of Queensland), Garry Fitzgerald (Member, South East), Noel Frost (Member, South East.), Bob Reid (Member, Murray Darling), Greg Green (Member, Burnett), Kris Lassig (Member, Central), Josh Lyon (Member, Northern), Ian Leighton (Member, Northern).

  Observer/s: Mario Sala

  Presenter/s: Paul Kuhn (QBFP)

• 20 April 2023

  The Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme Working Group met for its annual meeting via a hybrid teleconference on 20 April 2023.

  Members provided an update on their regions and groups. Overall, groups reported impacts from floods, and very strong fishing on dams, particularly where the Fish n SIPS competition is in place.  This was not always reflected in SIPS permit sales.

  Fisheries Queensland provided an update on freshwater fisheries management including the Fish n SIPS program, the monitoring expression of interest, flood recovery grants, 2022 stocking workshop and hatchery accreditation. Fisheries Queensland noted that expressions of interest were currently open for both the SIPS and Freshwater Working Group and encouraged members to discuss these opportunities within their regions.

  QBFP provided a verbal compliance update to the group. Compliance rates were relatively high within freshwater rivers and impoundments with failure to have SIPS permit the most common offence.

  Fisheries Queensland provided the Working Group with an update on the SIPS acquittals received and outstanding acquittals for the 2022 grants. The Working Group noted there were a small number of outstanding acquittals including two which had not executed grants for 2022. The working Group endorsed the Fisheries Queensland proposal that these funds be redistributed and a grant not be provided to the stocking group for the following financial year until grants are executed or administrative arrangements can be put in place with the relevant groups by April 30 2023.  Two requests for carryover were submitted and endorsed by the Working Group pending written confirmation.

  Fisheries Queensland advised a survey of SIPS permit holders was conducted in March-April 2023 with final results expected in early May.  The Working Group noted the indicative allocations based on the formula in the guideline on the Administration of Queensland’s Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme. It was noted the total SIPS revenue for this year was about 10% above last years. The Working Group supported further investigation of more accurate methods to estimate participation as part of the allocation formula for SIPS. Fisheries Queensland is investigating a number of further options and will report back to the working group in late 2023.

  The Working Group discussed and endorsed one application for community engagement funding by Freshwater Fishing and Stocking Association of Queensland for funding the native and pest fishing education display calendar of events for 2023/24. In addition, there were two applications for disaster recovery funding. Ten thousand dollars in total are made available each year through the SIPS scheme to support stocking groups after major fish deaths/losses. The Working Group supported an equal allocation of the funding available between the two impoundments who applied.

  The working group noted the very positive preliminary results of the fish ‘n sips competition and discussed the future direction of the competition. The Working Group agreed that expanding the current competition should be pursued.  Fisheries Queensland will undertake further consideration of options and structure, with a sub-group of interested parties to be engaged to develop details.  This would be conducted prior to October 2023 for seamless follow-on from the current year.

  The working group noted and discussed the 2022 Freshwater Stocking Workshop outcomes and action plan. The Working Group noted that Fisheries Queensland is proposing to hold the next workshop in 2024 and gave in principal support for fisheries to develop further. Feedback from the previous workshop was that more effort should be made to celebrate the achievements of SIPS as well as looking forward to the future.  It was also noted it would be good to have the freshwater charter sector involved in a future workshop. The working group agreed that the next stocking workshop should occur in late 2024, with a grant to be provided to the successful applicant in the 23/24 financial year.

  The working group reviewed, discussed and provided advice on adding and removing the proposed impoundments to the SIPS. The working group supported removal of Beehive Dam from SIPS due to loss of access and closure of the stocking group. The working group indicated that the applications for two dams are supported, pending improved access.  The applications to add three dams were supported. Fisheries Queensland will consider the advice of the working group in making further recommendations for public consultation and legislative process.

  The SIPS Working Group members present: Michelle Winning (Acting Chair, Fisheries Queensland), Thomas Hart (Representative, Fisheries Queensland), John Dexter (Representative, Fisheries Queensland),  Christelle Legrand (Representative, Fisheries Queensland), Tim Lucas (Representative, Fisheries Queensland), Charlie Ladd (Representative, Freshwater Fishing and Stocking Association of Queensland), Garry Fitzgerald (Representative, South East), Noel Frost (Representative, South East), Bob Reid (Representative, Murray Darling), Kris Lassig (Representative, Central), Josh Lyon (Representative, Northern), Ian Leighton (Representative, Northern), Paul Kuhn (Representative, QBFP).

  Apologies: Greg Green (Representative, Burnett), Kaidon Anderson (Representative, FFSAQ).