Recreational fishos are reeling with excitement as Townsville City Council crews are well into the construction efforts that will form the foundation for Stage 1 recreational use of the Ross Dam.
With the new 85 metre concrete footpath leading from the dam wall to the groyne now complete, Mayor Troy Thompson said works would begin on the new access stairs up the dam wall this week.
"In August Council voted to enable recreational fishing on the dam by mid-next year, so it's terrific to see works underway to make this a reality for our city's eager fishing community," Cr Thompson said.
"With the Council crew recently completing the concrete footpath from the top of the dam wall to the fishing groyne, they can start on the new set of concrete stairs up the dam wall, which will be a good workout in themselves."
Divisional Councillor, Kristian Price said while the community could now safely access the groyne thanks to the new pathway, land-based fishing was still a little while away with both infrastructure and governance elements to be completed before mid-2025.
"Unfortunately it is no simple task to get people out there fishing on the dam, there are quite a few boxes to tick, with stage 1 set to cost about $1.27 million," Cr Price said.
"I'm pleased to see stage 1 which includes land-based activities like fishing from the shore and walking well underway, and on track.
"As a responsible Local Government we need to make sure adequate amenities and community safety requirements are met.
"While the physical works yet to be completed will include earthworks and the construction of new stairs, alongside toilet block and installation of security infrastructure, there is also an element of administration to be completed such as a change of local laws."
Councillor Price said he was waiting with bated breath to catch a barramundi from the fishing groyne, but as the dam provided the city with its main source of drinking water further stages would rely on water quality, community cooperation and respect of the space.
"We need to ensure our water is protected – if we open the area for further recreational use down the line, then it has to be done right," Cr Price said
"Stages 2 and 3 will be heavily reliant on water quality, safe and respectful use of the facilities and Council securing external funding for the required infrastructure to support the expansion of recreation on the dam."
