- The Crisafulli Government is delivering more fishing, economic, and tourism benefits for Queenslanders, with three new dams joining the Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme.
- Enoggera Reservoir, Paradise Dam, and Mount Morgan No. 7 Dam are the latest additions, taking the SIPS network to more than 60 dams, reservoirs, and weirs statewide.
- The Crisafulli Government is supporting recreational fishing, local communities and regional tourism by expanding fishing locations after a decade of decline under Labor.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering better services through a stronger economy, boosting Queensland's freshwater fishing stocks with three new dams joining the Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme (SIPS).
Brisbane's historic Enoggera Reservoir, Central Queensland's Mount Morgan No. 7 Dam, and Paradise Dam on the Burnett River are the latest additions to the scheme.
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 expansion takes the SIPS network to more than 60 dams, reservoirs, and weirs across the State, giving locals and visitors more chances to land a barramundi, Australian bass, or Murray cod.
In Brisbane, families will be able to enjoy freshwater fishing well into the future, with historic Enoggera Reservoir off Waterworks Road becoming the city's first and only stocked impoundment under the Scheme.
In Central Queensland, Mount Morgan No. 7 Dam becomes the fourth stocked impoundment in the region, giving residents of Mount Morgan, Rockhampton, and Gracemere the chance to reel in golden perch, southern saratoga, or even an eel-tailed catfish close to home.
West of Bundaberg, Paradise Dam on the Burnett River joins the scheme, opening up another well-loved fishing spot for recreational fishers across the North Burnett and Wide Bay regions.
Operating for more than a quarter of a century, SIPS is a user-pays permit scheme that funds local volunteer fish stocking groups to sustain and maintain fish stocks year-round.
SIPS channels revenue from permits straight into restocking, funding the regional aquaculture businesses that breed the fingerlings volunteer groups use, and without it, these dams would simply be fished out for free until there was little left worth catching.
It's another way the Crisafulli Government is delivering better services through a stronger economy for Queenslanders, backing local volunteers, and giving families more reasons to get outdoors right across the State.
Labor's decade of decline saw fisheries management decisions driven by ideology, not science, and made without consultation.
Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said the Crisafulli Government was committed to giving Queenslanders more sustainable ways to enjoy the State's natural assets while boosting local fishing and the economy.
"As I have said time and time again, fishing is about more than landing a catch, it's about getting Queenslanders outdoors, backing local tourism, and supporting the volunteers who keep our fisheries thriving," Minister Perrett said.
"A permit gives fishers access to more than 60 dams, reservoirs, and weirs across the State, with every dollar going straight back into restocking, supporting the fingerling breeders who supply these programs, and backing local tackle shops and tourism operators.
"I'd encourage local businesses at these three new sites to get behind their volunteer fish stocking groups."
Member for Callide Bryson Head said Paradise Dam joining SIPS was another example of the Crisafulli Government delivering for Central Queensland.
"Paradise Dam is a slice of paradise in our region, and this announcement means more anglers, more visitors, and more support for our local tourism operators," Mr Head said.
"It's great news for our volunteer fish stocking group, who work so hard to keep this fishery thriving for the whole community."
Member for Mirani Glen Kelly said Mount Morgan No. 7 Dam joining SIPS was a win for local families and anglers.
"This is a great spot for local families to wet a line, and its addition to SIPS will help keep it stocked and thriving for years to come," Mr Kelly said.
"It's a welcome result for our local volunteers and everyone who loves getting outdoors in this part of Central Queensland."
Freshwater Fishing and Stocking Association of Queensland President Charlie Ladd welcomed the official addition of the three new stocked impoundments and said it was particularly exciting to have the heritage-listed, iconic location of Enoggera Reservoir in the scheme.
"Fishing is so good for the body and the soul and to have Enoggera Reservoir, which is within the border of the city, in the scheme is excellent," Mr Ladd said.
"I hope these new locations inspire more people to consider joining their local fish stocking group and experience the satisfaction of contributing to a sustainable resource that benefits so many people."
The program relies on the hard work of volunteer fish-stocking groups, with stock impoundments across Queensland guaranteeing year-round recreational fishing.
Permits to fish at the impoundments will be required from 1 July 2026 for anglers aged 18 and over. Permits can be purchased online, over the phone, or at your local Australia Post outlet.
