Wivenhoe Open to Outboard Motors

[ricksta]

Just heard this 5 mins ago, thought I was hearing things. My night is made.

[wrip109]

Lots of restrictions though: 4 stroke or low pollution 2 stroke. Six knots max.

Not sure of access points either. Wonder if they will re open the gates at the leased areas?

[Richo1]

Great news!

[Gon Fishun]

Here's a couple of links for the Wivenhoe.

http://www.previous.seqwater.com.au/public/source-store-treat-supply/dams/wivenhoe-dam

This ones a bit about boating regs.

http://www.previous.seqwater.com.au/public/sites/default/files/userfiles/20131209%20FAQ%20power%20boats%20on%20wivenhoe.pdf

[bondy99]

Good to have six knots, keep those pesky and nuisance skiers away

[Richo1]

99017

Wivenhoe's Tilapia population is thriving, hope they eat baby catfish as well! Great fight on light gear even got busted off twice on 6 pound leader. Bait worms and prawns fished in 2m just off the bank.

[bondy99]

Richo1, Good to see some Tilapia being caught. Any good locations for redclaw in Wivenhoe ? Cheers

[Richo1]

First time I've fished it in years, will take the pots up next time. Saw a few red claw shells on the banks not far from the ramp.

[Rusty58]

This is great news, some of us have been pushing for this for years, I was fortunate enough to be able to submit a submission for this. Regulations are very simple, your motor must be 4 stroke or low emission 2 stroke ie: direct injected. a maximum speed of 6 knots and no PWC allowed, boat ramps are at Logans Inlet, Hamon Cove and later Billies bay which has been leased to the Brisbane Sailing club but they need to fix up the bridges leading to it first. Do be careful as Wivenhoe is a shallow dam with lots of underwater hills etc so when you ufirst go there take your time to navigate your way around. The Rangers are very good there but do remember the regulations will be heavily policed.

[mod2]

why only low emission 2 strokes? That is really a dumb decision.

[aussiebasser]

The dumb decision would have been the low horsepower restriction which was overturned. There has to be a line drawn somewhere, and there will always be some who disagree. Everyone had the opportunity of giving their input.

[mod2]

but low emission when you can run anything on Somerset. Seems just like a decision to show a green aspect. I do not care if there are boats on there, plenty of room but that decisions has me scratching my head. Everyone also has the right to make comments after the decisions are made. I gave up making submissions on anything after the green zone debacle. That proved to me that pollies have made decisions prior to asking for submissions.

[snapperbasher]

The only thing I don't agree with regarding the low emission outboard thing is that most small Tinnies run standard 2 strokes... Especially up to about the 30hp mark... I don't know the facts but I'm going to throw it out and say that emissions from a small old tech 2 stroke wouldn't be any worse than a large DI 2 stroke....?? Happy to be proven wrong...

[bondy99]

This is great news, some of us have been pushing for this for years, I was fortunate enough to be able to submit a submission for this. Regulations are very simple, your motor must be 4 stroke or low emission 2 stroke ie: direct injected. a maximum speed of 6 knots and no PWC allowed, boat ramps are at Logans Inlet, Hamon Cove and later Billies bay which has been leased to the Brisbane Sailing club but they need to fix up the bridges leading to it first. Do be careful as Wivenhoe is a shallow dam with lots of underwater hills etc so when you ufirst go there take your time to navigate your way around. The Rangers are very good there but do remember the regulations will be heavily policed.

Yep sure is, I know a few of the rangers and SEQ staff from co-joint research activities using authorised power driven vessels throught Wivenhoe Dam right up to beyond Hamon Cove. There use to be a boom net controlling water hyacinth (however it's spelt) from entering the lower reaches. It disappeared last time I was up there, about 30 months ago. The dam has been surveyed many years ago , there is a bathometric chart for the dam but not released to the general public. (its quite a few years old).Bondy

[Jabiru658]

The only thing I don't agree with regarding the low emission outboard thing is that most small Tinnies run standard 2 strokes... Especially up to about the 30hp mark... I don't know the facts but I'm going to throw it out and say that emissions from a small old tech 2 stroke wouldn't be any worse than a large DI 2 stroke....?? Happy to be proven wrong...

This is an article that gives information about the emissions of various types of outboard technologies sold in Australia, have a look at the chart on page 2 for the emmission ranges; (quote) "high emission traditional two stroke carburettor engines (104 to 681 g/kw/hr) compared to the low emission engines which, with the exception of one four stroke 2.5 hp outboard, have combined HC+NOx emissions below 30 g/kw/hr".

http://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/7303ce2f-4243-4c75-8efd-c3fcabc10a24/files/marine-outboard-engine.pdf

That chart shows that no 3 star engines tested polluted as much as any carby two stroke irrespective of size so I'd say the answer to your question is no.

[rayken1938]

I launched frim Hamon Cove just after 6am on Boxing day. The friendly ranger was there checking if people had permits and he said he could sell you one if you did not have one.
We had live shrimp and an assortment of lures and headed upstream.
Plenty of fish on the sounder but alas they were all forkies.
If you trolled less than 3kph the forkies were attracted to your lures , Didnt matter if shallow or deep or silent or rattles.
We also got checked on the water for safety gear and sip and boat permit.
We were told that people were only catching forkies.
Barometer was quite low so that may have turned the bass off or we are just a couple of mugs who need to spend more time there.
Spent about 8 hours in the water and the 6knots was great when we decided to return home.
May wait till winter before returning but it was good to explore new areas that we were not game to go to with just leccy power the allowing of fuel powered motors will certainly open up new areas.
Cheers
Ray

[Rusty58]

I was there the day they opened it for motor boats and caught huge amounts of catfish but no bass or yellabelly

[bondy99]

Bass have always been skittish in Lake Wivenhoe , I know of some spots but that's with a research vessel. Whether that particular area is open to general public is something else.

[Mike Delisser]

I recon your best chance for Wivenhoe bass is in winter when the forkies shut down.

[aussiebasser]

Wivenhoe has always been a winter fishery. Logan's Inlet is as good a place as any to fish. The flats and the Horse Paddock are the spots when the gig girls are schooling up in the winter time though. I definitely wouldn't rate Wivenhoe Bass as skittish.

[bondy99]

This is an article that gives information about the emissions of various types of outboard technologies sold in Australia, have a look at the chart on page 2 for the emmission ranges; (quote) "high emission traditional two stroke carburettor engines (104 to 681 g/kw/hr) compared to the low emission engines which, with the exception of one four stroke 2.5 hp outboard, have combined HC+NOx emissions below 30 g/kw/hr".

http://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/7303ce2f-4243-4c75-8efd-c3fcabc10a24/files/marine-outboard-engine.pdf

That chart shows that no 3 star engines tested polluted as much as any carby two stroke irrespective of size so I'd say the answer to your question is no.

I read this report however it lacks credibility as in who is the author that wrote it. Was it a male, female, Dr * *, a group of people, a consulting firm... All it says is a written on behalf of a Department. The report is more like a short thesis , without having an authors name. Without a name the report means nothing. That's my beef.

[aussiebasser]

http://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/7303ce2f-4243-4c75-8efd-c3fcabc10a24/files/marine-outboard-engine.pdf

Try contacting Gary Fooks he had a lot if input into the studies back in 2006-7. He was living in Kenmore at the time.

[wrip109]

99017

Wivenhoe's Tilapia population is thriving, hope they eat baby catfish as well! Great fight on light gear even got busted off twice on 6 pound leader. Bait worms and prawns fished in 2m just off the bank.

Can you give a rough location please? I would love to get stuck into some of them at that size.

[Richo1]

If your standing on the boat ramp at Logan's inlet looking out, I got them in the 2nd bay on your left. (1st bay where the ramp is) in close to the bank roughly 2m of water. Heading up Friday with the kids.

[wrip109]

If your standing on the boat ramp at Logan's inlet looking out, I got them in the 2nd bay on your left. (1st bay where the ramp is) in close to the bank roughly 2m of water. Heading up Friday with the kids.

Might see you there. I went yesterday and nearly got blown away! Just as bad, if not worse today. As soon as the wind dies I will give it a try :)

Phil (in an orange and black camo yak)

Do you eat them BTW? I think they are the best fresh water fish to eat bar none...

[aussiebasser]

Might see you there. I went yesterday and nearly got blown away! Just as bad, if not worse today. As soon as the wind dies I will give it a try :)

Phil (in an orange and black camo yak)

Do you eat them BTW? I think they are the best fresh water fish to eat bar none...

For your information:

Schedule 6 of the Fisheries Regulation 2008 (Appendix A) provides a list of all fish classified as noxious in Queensland.
This section of the legislation means that it is illegal for someone to bring tilapia (and other fish classified as noxious) into Queensland; possess, rear, sell or buy tilapia; or release tilapia into any Queensland waters. The use of the term ‘fisheries resources’ means that these prohibitions relate to tilapia whether they are dead or alive, as well as to pieces of the fish (e.g. a fillet or gut). Both the use of tilapia as bait for fishing and the consumption of tilapia are, therefore, prohibited.



If a person accidently comes into possession of a noxious fish (e.g. tilapia) or a nonindigenous fish that is not on the list outlined in Part 2 of Schedule 6 of the Fisheries Regulation 2008 (Appendix A), they must immediately kill the fish as humanely as possible and dispose of it without releasing it into the water. Possession would include accidently catching the fish while line fishing, as well as fish found in farm dams or council waters running through private property. If a population of noxious or illegal nonindigenous fish is found established in a body of water that is privately owned, the owner must carry out all practical ways to control the population and prevent it from spreading into other waterways. This may include eradication if at all possible.

Scenario: On a fine Sunday afternoon, Rod and his neighbour Finn decided to try out a new fishing spot just north of Brisbane. After almost two hours, the duo still hadn’t managed to catch a fish and were about to give up when Rod’s rod started to bend. The excited angler jumped to his feet and managed to bring in the flapping silvery fish. ‘That’s a good sized bass!’ exclaimed Rod. But, recognising the truncate tail and long, continuous dorsal fin, Finn knew the creature was no Australian bass. After pointing out to Rod that his catch was actually a tilapia, the men had to then decide what to do with the noxious fish.
Rod was aware that they couldn’t keep the pest fish for dinner and thought it would be best to just throw it back into the water, since it was now dead and couldn’t possibly do any further harm. Finn suggested that they throw the fish into a rubbish bin. However, since there were no bins nearby, the men would have to take the dead fish with them in their car until they found one.
Questions: Discuss what Rod and Finn should do with the dead fish. Should they throw it back into the water or take it with them until they spot a rubbish bin? Give reasons for and against these options. Are these the only two options for Rod and Finn? Why can’t the men take the fish home for dinner? Other than getting rid of the fish, what is another action Rod and Finn should take?
Answer
Rod and Finn should not throw the dead tilapia back into the water as, being a mouth-brooder, it may have juveniles inside its mouth that are still alive—heavy fines apply for releasing noxious fish into Queensland waterways. If Rod and Finn choose to throw the fish into a rubbish bin, they should wrap it in a plastic bag for immediate transport to an appropriate bin. Alternatively, Rod and Finn could bury the fish well away from the water’s edge. It is illegal in Queensland for the men to take the fish home for consumption and heavy fines apply. Using tilapia for human consumption may lead to the noxious fish having a trade value and people purposely stocking them. Rod and Finn should also take clear photographs of the fish (if possible) and report the fish to the DEEDI Customer Service

Taken from: http://www.daff.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/66225/Stop-the-spread-Module-3.pdf

[gruntahunta]

Ok...can someone please tell me what is the difference between Somerset and Wivanhoe Dams? I mean this with regard to the running of 2 strokes...why is it allowed on one but not the other...

Do the higher emissions pollute the water or the air? Seems to me that this decision was not based on a level playing field. Most boats That would be most suitable, I assume, would be tinnies with small 2/stroke outboards and they are the ones banned....surely the 20 footers with 150 4/strokes won't be idling around at 6 knots....I know a few that might I suppose.

[aussiebasser]

My 18 1/2 footer with a 150 idles much slower than 6 knots. In reality if you are travelling in Wivenhoe at 6 knots, you may as well slow down to 2.5 knots and troll a lure.
I would guess that a line had to be drawn somewhere. Drawing that line at 3 star outboards was a lot better than the original proposition and that was having the rules the same as Lenthall's Dam, which are:


Visitors should be aware of the low emission outboard engine policy for Lake Lenthall which allows only 2 and 3 star rated engines up to 60hp. Low emission engines include:


All 4-stroke engines up to 60 horsepower
Low emission direct injection 2-stroke engines up to 60 horsepower

The speed limit on the lake is strictly 6 knots.

[rayken1938]

I recon we got a really good result of the review with Wivy when you consider what could have happened with some of the submissions made and hope that people realise that and do not abuse the system or else it could go back to what it was or even a complete shut out, which would save SEQ water a heap of money.There are plenty of other waters that you can take your 2 banger or jet ski to.
cheers
ray

[gruntahunta]

I recon we got a really good result of the review with Wivy when you consider what could have happened with some of the submissions made and hope that people realise that and do not abuse the system or else it could go back to what it was or even a complete shut out, which would save SEQ water a heap of money.There are plenty of other waters that you can take your 2 banger or jet ski to.
cheers
ray


Ray, I believe that rules should be made to suit the majority of people not a minority...thus my assumption that a lot more people could use the dam if 2 strokes on tinnies were allowed, surely there are way more of them that would frequent the dam than the bigger 4 strokes etc. No one has answered my question about the emission problems ande the reason for banning 2strokes ...does it effect the water?

Dale...no worries with the speed limit and its 6 knots, about 10 Km/h... so quite quick. Still reckon if any mechanical outboards are allowed, it should be all of them.

[aussiebasser]

You're asking the wrong people mate. All I can say is there were very bloody few anglers who took the time to attend the public meetings. We were vastly outnumbered by local leaseholders and environmentalists. The outcome we received was more than I expected after the apathy shown. You mention a majority, at the last public meeting fishermen were a massive minority.

[Richo1]

From what I've seen in 4 trips to the dam, people are already abusing what they have been given. Exceeding speed limits, one bloke even towing kids in a tube.

Phill we will be in a White Island Shore runabout with a 60Hp 4 stroke.

[Richo1]

99718

Tom got his first Yellow Belly trolling a bronze RMG Poltergeist 3m+
Only the 1 plus a heap of catfish

[Bad_Bazza]

[QUOTE=Richo1;1531691]From what I've seen in 4 trips to the dam, people are already abusing what they have been given. Exceeding speed limits, one bloke even towing kids in a tube.

Richo1 Get your camera out and photograph the people commiting offences and send it off to SEQW.
If these people continue to thumb their nose we will end up with it being shut down again.

As Aussiebasser said there was very few of us who atttended the meetings and we had to fight hard to get this disspensation. It only takes a few idiots to ruin what we (those that bothered to attend the meetings) worked very hard for.
Bad_Bazza

[aussiebasser]

It is not up to SEQWater to enforce the rules, it is now a Boating Patrol/police issue. Same as if you see a car speeding on the street, you don't report it to the Council, you report it to Law Enforcement. After the event, SEQWater would not have ant authority to put a name and address to a registration number, only the police can do that.

[Rainbowrunner]

2stroke reason maybe that when they are used at low speed (ie- 6knots) the oil doesn't burn off properly making a very high pollution rate

[gruntahunta]

2stroke reason maybe that when they are used at low speed (ie- 6knots) the oil doesn't burn off properly making a very high pollution rate


Thanks mate, your probably right......which raises the question, what's the difference between operating them in Sometset or Wivanhoe if this is the concern? Perhaps there days are numbered for Sometset as well.

[aussiebasser]

Allowing something to start, and stopping something that has been happening for many years are two very, very different things to a politician.

[Triple]

Anyone know if air cooled carby two strokes with exhaust that doesn't exit the prop into the water are allowed? Tried emailing seq but they keep bouncing back.

[Fitzy]

Triple. 4 stroke or direct injection 2 stroke. If it isnt those, the answer is no. Not that I care, as long as there aint inboards & jet drives I'm happy.

***************************

The days of 2 stroke donks in any waters in Qld are numbered. Won't be long & you wont be abler to buy one, govt are in planning process for phase out of 2 stroke motors of all types for sale right now!! Not just outboard motors but also, including mowers, chain saws, whipper snippers etc. A major reason (Im told) is that we run unleaded fuel with alot of nasties added, the motors mentioned above don't have catalytic converters & we're sucking all those sulphates etc straight into our lungs. 10 times worse than smoking I'm told with no converter.

[wrip109]

I sold my boat, with an almost new 30 HP 2 stroke on it, just so I could fish Wivenhoe.

I now have a kayak with an electric motor. I have made a mistake there too. I bought a 54 Lb thrust electric motor and it is just too big for my small 9 foot yak.

Should have bought something around 30 lbs thrust. Never mind we all live and learn.

Anybody with a tinny want to swap motors? Mine is only been used a couple of times :)

Minn Kota would be nice at 30 lbs...

[Triple]

So is the 54lb too physically heavy or just chew too many amps compared to the 30lb at lower speeds?

and I know "no" carb two stroke but want them to clarify if the air cooled ones with exhausts that exit out of the water at the motor are allowed as there is no water pollution from them and it's no different to using a 2 smoke whipper snipper on the bank clearing the edge at the parks or a 2 smoke gennie on board a boat on the dam..

[scottar]

I sold my boat, with an almost new 30 HP 2 stroke on it, just so I could fish Wivenhoe.

I now have a kayak with an electric motor. I have made a mistake there too. I bought a 54 Lb thrust electric motor and it is just too big for my small 9 foot yak.

Should have bought something around 30 lbs thrust. Never mind we all live and learn.

Anybody with a tinny want to swap motors? Mine is only been used a couple of times :)

Minn Kota would be nice at 30 lbs...

One on Evilbay at Robina for a hundred bucks.

[wrip109]

So is the 54lb too physically heavy or just chew too many amps compared to the 30lb at lower speeds?

and I know "no" carb two stroke but want them to clarify if the air cooled ones with exhausts that exit out of the water at the motor are allowed as there is no water pollution from them and it's no different to using a 2 smoke whipper snipper on the bank clearing the edge at the parks or a 2 smoke gennie on board a boat on the dam..

Not too heavy to carry at about 10 Kilos but my yak does not like it hanging off the side. In the manual, it tells me it draws 45 amps at full bore. That is speed 5 but have no idea what it pulls at speed one (2 knots)

My small battery keeps it trolling for two and half hours.

They tell me it should run off a 100 AH deep cycle battery. If I had a tinny then all would be OK. But the battery at 30 Kilo and the motor at 10 Kilo is a lot of weight near the back of my yak.

[wrip109]

One on Evilbay at Robina for a hundred bucks.

I think I see the one you mean. The start bid is $150 with a buy it now price of $200.

I think it is the same one as BCF sells new for $219

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Minn-Kota-Endura-C2-30-Lb-30-inch-Transom-Mounted-Trolling-Motor-Shaft-/251560978635?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item3a9233e8cb

[Triple]

And the c2 are freshwater use only..
Looking for options for my yak aswell but will also be used on a yakamaran so need some grunt.. and the Honda 2.3hp four banger at 16kg with fuel is looking good. No need for heavy batteries or charging worries but is noisy and I'm unsure of slowest trolling speed with the centrifugal clutch?

[wrip109]

And the c2 are freshwater use only..

I only ever fish in Freshwater. My 54 LBS is for both but I don't think it makes any difference really

[scottar]

I think I see the one you mean. The start bid is $150 with a buy it now price of $200.

I think it is the same one as BCF sells new for $219

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Minn-Kota-Endura-C2-30-Lb-30-inch-Transom-Mounted-Trolling-Motor-Shaft-/251560978635?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item3a9233e8cb

No mate. This one.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Minn-Kota-Electric-Trolling-Outboard-Motor-/281366548706?pt=AU_Boat_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4182c0d0e2

[wrip109]

No mate. This one.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Minn-Kota-Electric-Trolling-Outboard-Motor-/281366548706?pt=AU_Boat_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4182c0d0e2

Thanks for that. I just drove to Robina and bought it. It is like new!103817

This is how I had it set up with the 54 LB motor. Hope you can see how I balanced the weight of the motor with the battery and then had to carry a spare one at the front.

Thanks - I think I got a bargain :)

( I will sell off the 54 LB motor now)

[scottar]

Cool mate. Got to have a little win every now and then. Glad to be of help.