Somerset & Wivenhoe Fish Stocking Assn

21/04/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/18U9sBAgia/

It’s not too late to have your say on SIPS! 📢

There’s still time to provide feedback on how we continue improving the world-class fisheries in Queensland’s Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme (SIPS) dams and weirs.

During 2025–26, more than $1 million was provided to stocking groups, supporting the release of more than 3 million fingerlings at over 60 impoundments across the state.

If you held a SIPS permit between 1 March 2025 and 28 February 2026, please take the SIPS survey – it only takes a minute! 👉 https://brnw.ch/21x1LXx

Don’t miss the chance to have your say. Survey closes 5pm, Sunday 26 April 2026.

09/04/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/17qgVoNhhp/

Last year we celebrated 25 years of the Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme (SIPS), and we want to make sure we can keep improving the world-class fisheries on offer in Queensland’s dams and weirs. 🐟

If you held a SIPS permit between 1 March 2025 and 28 February 2026, you can help by taking our annual SIPS survey!

It only takes a minute and the survey results will help us allocate funds from permit sales to stock fish in over 60 SIPS dams and weirs across the state.

Take the survey here 👉 https://brnw.ch/21x1qDV

It closes at 5 pm on Sunday 26 April 2026.

Freshwater Fishing & Stocking Association Queensland

09/04/2026

A study that supports our Logs For Cod project.

📑 NEW STUDY: Carpenter-Bundhoo et al. used artificial nesting structures in an attempt to improve the reproductive habitat for an endangered freshwater native.

🐟 Species studied

Mary River Cod (Maccullochella mariensis)

🌏 Location

The upper Mary River and three major tributaries (Scrub, Obi Obi and Yabba creeks)

🤔 The issue

Artificial nesting structures were trialled to enhance reproductive habitat for endangered Mary River Cod (Maccullochella mariensis) in Queensland.

👩🏽‍🔬 What did the researchers do?

Twenty-four hollow log structures of two designs were installed across six river sites and monitored alongside natural structures during the 2024 breeding season.

💡 What did they find?

Mary River Cod used both designs, with one confirmed spawning event in an artificial log. While cod spawning was more frequent in natural structures, the artificial habitats supported multiple fish, reptile and frog species, potentially serving as cost-effective, multifunctional refuges.

👍 Any recommendations?

Artificial structures can supplement lost or degraded habitat, offering a promising tool for the conservation of large threatened freshwater fauna.

👀 Read the full study: https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.70358

🏢 Contributing to this research: Griffith University, Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee, Burnett-Mary Regional Group, NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

04/04/2026

Cod mural coming at Twin Bridges 👍

Artist appointed for Twin Bridges mural

Accomplished artist Jordan Bruce has been tasked with bringing to life a disused water tank at Twin Bridges, Fernvale with a captivating mural.

Somerset Regional Council Mayor Jason Wendt said the initiative was part of the Somerset Fish Habitat Revitalisation Project.

“The finished mural aims to enhance community awareness for fish habitat values in Somerset while raising awareness about threatened species conservation with a particular focus on the Mary River Cod,” Cr Wendt said.

Arts, Culture and Heritage Advisory Committee Chair, Councillor Sally Jess, led the panel which appointed the artist.

“Council received 33 submissions through an expression of interest process, and we were amazed by the calibre of artists who came forward,” Cr Jess said.

“The chosen artist, Jordan Bruce, is a Brisbane-based muralist and co-founder of Brightsiders. His work explores colour, texture, light and rhythm drawn from the natural world, creating large-scale public artworks that connect people to place and reflect a shared relationship with environment and community.

“There were several EOIs from Somerset artists which was rewarding to see.

“Thank you to every artist who made a submission, it was great to see so much passion on display for this project.”

The Somerset Fish Habitat Revitalisation Project is funded as part of the South East Queensland (SEQ) City Deal.

Resilient Rivers SEQ is one of 29 commitments being delivered under the SEQ City Deal, a partnership between the Australian Government, Queensland Government and Council of Mayors (SEQ).

Source - Somerset Regional Council

04/04/2026

A couple of our Volunteers spent a few hours at Lake Wivenhoe camping ground today. It was good to get out and educate people on what we're about and that you need a SIPS licence to fish our impoundments in Queensland.

03/04/2026

Flashback to 2024.
A couple years on we are still working hard to re-establish endangered cod in the Brisbane River catchment through:
- Restocking endangered cod 🐟
- Replanting riparian tree 🌱
-Resnagging logs for habitat 🪵

UPSTREAM BATTLE AS COD RECOVERY PROGRAM CONTINUES
Rebuilding an entire population of fish has many barriers and bottlenecks, but the Somerset & Wivenhoe Fish Stocking Assn are still fighting the good fight.

Learn about the group's cod recovergy program on page 4 of this week's Independent - visit: https://issuu.com/thelockyerandsomersetindependent/docs/07_february_2024/4?fr=sODI3OTY5MTI2NTY

27/03/2026

It’s that time of year when anglers are asked to complete the SIPS fishing permit survey.
If you’ve purchased a SIP in the last year, please take a couple of minutes to complete the survey. This helps to allocated where the funds need to go. 👍😃

https://dpi.engagementhub.com.au/sips-angler-participation-survey-2025-26/survey/sips-participation-survey-2025-26

13/03/2026

Thanks to everyone that gets involved with & shows an interest in our projects. 😃