Catch-22 on lake’s barra

LAKE Tinaroo is brimming with big barra but seasoned Far North anglers are growing concerned over the dwindling dam’s ecology.

Tableland Fish Stocking Society life member John Mondora said the fish habitat was among several issues worrying users because of the lake’s water level, which had dropped below 48 per cent capacity.

“There are far more big barra in there than first thought,” he said.

“But there are also fewer grass banks where the bait can hide from fish. We’re not really sure what’s going to happen.”

It comes after Lake Tinaroo users were hit with a six-knot speed limit, which will take effect on September 27 after an extension was granted by Maritime Safety Queensland.

It is the first time Lake Tinaroo has been closed to waterskiing and high-speed boating since 2003.

“In 2003 there was nowhere near the amount of fish in Lake Tinaroo there is now,” Mr Mondora said.

“They are predicting big rain in October, but you need enormous downpours to bring a dam like that up.”

Mr Mondora said there was “no point” in stocking the lake until its water level had risen.

The October 14-16 Tinaroo Barra Bash is still going ahead, but this year has been capped at 1000 anglers.

“With less water and more fish, it will probably be good for anglers, but time will tell,” Mr Mondora said.

From July 1 Tablelands irrigators had only received 70 per cent of their potential SunWater irrigation allocation.

Mareeba District Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association chairman Joe Moro said local farmers were crossing their fingers ahead of the wet season.

“A lot of farmers are watching the weather and looking at ways to offset the loss of water, such as through bores, which may be outside the regulated system,” he said.

Mr Moro said “tensions would rise” if the region failed to receive healthy rain over the next few months.