One of the fish hotels that are to be installed in the Condamine River later this month.
Those with a keen interest in fishing were invited to the Warwick District Recreational Fish Stocking Association AGM on May 19.
The meeting came ahead of what will be a big month for the group.
By May's end, the group will see two fish hotels - constructed from railways sleepers - and cod holes crafted from hollow drums placed into the Condamine River.
The structures will provide not only shade for fish that inhabit the waterways but also a breeding area for cod, who should lay their eggs on the holes' walls.
The hotels and holes have been installed as a counteractive measure to extensive removal of willow trees along the Condamine.
Heavy weights will ensure the structures will not wash away in floods.
It is hoped they will not only help slow the flow of the water in times of flood but also boost cod numbers and battle the pesky carp.
Original story at Warwick Daily News
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Warwick District Recreational Fish Stocking Association's Ed Kemp and Roger Martin are looking forward to having 52 cod holes and two fish hotels in the Condamine in a fortnight.
Fish hotels and cod holes will be open for business beside the banks of the Riverwalk later this month.
A joint project between the Warwick District Recreational Fish Stocking Association and the Warwick, Allora and Clifton Fishing Club will mean 52 cod holes and two fish hotels are up and running soon.
Secretary Ed Kemp said the hotels and holes would give fish shade and breeding spots along the stretch of river.
"We are working with Condamine Alliance and the Southern Downs Regional Council to put structure back in the river following the removal of willow trees," he said.
Mr Kemp said cod were an important part of the river system and would use the structures, which were made of hollow drums, to lay their eggs.
The fish hotels are railway sleepers that are weighed down with 300kg weights to prevent them being washed away in floods.
There is potential for more hotels to be installed, pending proven success with the two planned ones.
Predictions are that in just five years time, the area will see a significant increase in cod numbers and drastic reduction in the number of carp.
"For us to buy fingerlings of cod, they cost us almost 80c each," Mr Kemp said.
"If we get 1000 fingerlings in each hole a year, that will be close to $50,000 worth and will significantly decrease the number of carp in the water. A 40cm cod will eat a 20cm carp everyday."
Original story at Warwick Daily News
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