Keen anglers will be reeling with excitement to know Ross Dam will be open to recreational land-based fishing in just 26 days' time.
Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney said with Councillors endorsing the Recreational Use of Ross River Dam Policy at today's ordinary Council meeting, there was only a few final steps to complete before the May 12 opening.
"In August last year councillors voted to open the dam to recreational land-based fishing, and I am so pleased to announce that people will be trying their luck at reeling in a monster barra six weeks ahead of schedule," Cr Greaney said.
"Our community spoke, and Council listened, reallocating funds back in August to get this project underway and people fishing on the dam.
"Living in north Queensland we know just how much our community enjoys getting outdoors, so to be able to create a space where people of all abilities, from kids learning to bait their first hook, to mad-keen anglers can drop a line is really special."
Division four Councillor, Kristian Price, said allowing people access to the dam for recreation was a major priority of his when elected to Council.
"There has been interest from the community for years to get on the dam, and with the introduction of barramundi in 2017 and restocking operations ever since, there is some monsters in there just screaming to be caught," Cr Price said.
"In the months since August we have constructed an access path down the dam wall to the water's edge, a new set of access stairs from the carpark, and in the weeks to come we will be installing an amenities block, signage and security cameras.
"A lot of people have worked on getting this project floating, from community members, those in the barra restocking group, former councillor Mark Molachino and staff within Council, so to have stage 1 complete is a really good result."
Division ten Councillor Brady Ellis, whose division borders division four and captures part of Ross Dam said having been a part of recent fingerling restocking on the dam he was champing at the bit to flick a lure along with the community.
"We've worked closely with the Ross River Dam Stakeholder advisory group, and I know that they are extremely keen to see years of hard work pay off in the months to come," Cr Ellis said.
"Hopefully with the community's cooperation we will be able to implement further stages of recreational use of Ross River Dam in the years to come.
"With the Ross Dam the city's main source of drinking water we need to make sure any human contact does not have any adverse effects.
"The Recreational Use of Ross River Dam Policy outlines Council's commitment to public safety through our water quality standards, as well as environmental conservation priorities with the proposed recreational activities.
"I for one am keen to take my daughter down and try our luck at reeling in a metre-y in the months to come."
Stages 2 and 3 will be reliant on 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.
Ross Dam will be open to recreational land-based fishing from the designated fishing area from 12 May 2025.
