Electrofishing moves on barra from spillway base

Townsville City Council has successfully completed its Ross River electrofishing operation, restoring barramundi stocks downstream and reinforcing the need for the community to stay well clear of the spillway area.

The operation targeted fish trapped downstream of the dam wall, with crews safely stunning, collecting and transporting more than 100 fish further downstream where they can be accessed by anglers in a controlled and safe environment.

Across the operation, Council teams collected 144 fish, including 143 barramundi and 1 tilapia. The barramundi have now been released into the Ross River as part of Council’s ongoing commitment to supporting recreational fishing.

Townsville Mayor Nick Dametto said the operation was a win for anglers, public safety and the long‑term sustainability of fish stocks in the Ross River.

“This work supports recreational fishing on the Ross River, while removing fish from directly below the spillway where they were trapped after the recent rainfall events,” Cr Dametto said.

“While the crew undertook the operation, they were also targeting invasive species like tilapia, which can produce thousands of offspring every month in favourable conditions.

“The barra have been released downstream, with a significant number of fish over a metre long.”

Division four councillor, Kristian Price said fishing at the base of the spillway remains prohibited due to the inherent danger posed by rapidly changing water conditions, particularly during dam releases.

“The spillway might look calm one moment, but in a very short time it can become extremely dangerous, particularly during the wet season,” Cr Price said.

“The last thing we want to see is people putting their lives at risk, let alone the person that may jump in to save them.”

He said Council staff had been subjected to abuse while warning people to leave the spillway area and reminded the community that these staff were simply doing their jobs.

“No one deserves abuse for trying to keep people safe, this also goes for those recreationally fishing in the Ross Dam. If we want to see expanded recreational access to Ross River Dam in the future, such as progressing to Stage 2 which includes boating, we must show that the community can follow the rules under Stage 1.”

Fishing is permitted along the banks of the Ross River away from Council‑owned water infrastructure, with signage clearly marking restricted areas.

Council also reminds the community that it is not recommended to eat fish caught in Ross River Dam due to the presence of blue‑green algae.