Queensland Government
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry


Media Release
17 July 2012

Know fishing rules at Mt Crosby Weir or risk fines


People looking to enjoy a spot of freshwater fishing in the southeast are reminded to familiarise themselves with rules around where they can and can’t fish, and what they can fish for.

The reminder comes after nearly $5000 in fines were recently issued to people not following recreational fishing rules at Mt Crosby Weir, west of Brisbane.

Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) district officer James Hohenhaus said 13 Fisheries Infringement Notices (FINs) were issued in one weekend for a variety of offences.

“The FINs included fishing inside the 400m downstream closure of the weir wall, as well as for using a cast net in freshwater,” he said.

“Cast nets can only be used in tidal waters in Queensland and fines of $500 apply if fishers are found to be using them in freshwaters.

“Four of the FINs were issued for taking Australian bass from the weir during the closed season, which attracts a fine of $400.

“This closed season applies to Australian bass throughout Queensland from 1 June to 31 August each year.”

Mr Hohenhaus said signs were in place advising fishers of the closed waters in the Mt Crosby Weir area, and it was the responsibility of all fishers to know the rules before heading out.

“Mt Crosby Weir is closed to all forms of fishing 400m downstream of the weir wall and 200m upstream,” he said.

“There is also a 50m downstream closure of the old weir, which is situated further downstream of the main Mt Crosby Weir.

“Fishing in closed waters attracts a fine of $400.

“Closed waters and seasons are designed to help preserve our freshwater fish stock in areas where they may be vulnerable to overfishing.

“Fishers can view the rules at www.fisheries.qld.gov.au and can always call one of the local QBFP offices prior to heading out to find out any regulations specific to an area they plan to fish.”

While 1 June to 31 August is the closed season for Aussie bass throughout Queensland, the species can still be taken from some waterways above some impoundments, as well as from some dams on the Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme (SIPS).

Anyone that suspects or witnesses illegal fishing activity in the Mt Crosby Weir area is encouraged to call the Fishwatch hotline on 1800 017 116 (callers can remain anonymous).

To order your free Recreational Boating and Fishing Guide call 13 25 23 or download your copy from www.fisheries.qld.gov.au