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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: aussiebasser on November 26, 2013, 01:41:40 PM

Title: Lakes Wivenhoe & Somerset Recreational Changes
Post by: aussiebasser on November 26, 2013, 01:41:40 PM
The Premier has just announced that Lake Wivenhoe will be opened to low emission outboards with a 6 knot speed limit.  Billies Bay will be reopened to the public and a kayak launching area will be opened at the northern end of Lake Somerset
Title: Re: Lake Wivenhoe Recreational Changes
Post by: Sweetwater on November 26, 2013, 02:06:10 PM
A positive move for recreational fishing in Qld.

Now to get that bloody one sided SIP scheme fixed or the current fishery at Wivenhoe will surely collapse in a year or two with a massive increase in fishing pressure that is going to follow.
Title: Re: Lake Wivenhoe Recreational Changes
Post by: aussiebasser on November 26, 2013, 03:19:43 PM
Yes, the cap on Lake Wivenhoe will now prove to be a restriction on what will probably become South East Queensland's most fished impoundment.
Title: Re: Lake Wivenhoe Recreational Changes
Post by: Peter4 on November 26, 2013, 04:27:24 PM
I wonder if will we be stung $15 for a day's fishing at Wivenhoe... ::)
Title: Re: Lake Wivenhoe Recreational Changes
Post by: efc on November 26, 2013, 04:27:53 PM
Mmm shame, I enjoy paddling around with the place to myself. Was out there the other day and felt a bit claustrophobic when I saw another boat 2 kms away ;)
Title: Re: Lake Wivenhoe Recreational Changes
Post by: aussiebasser on November 26, 2013, 04:58:48 PM
I wonder if will we be stung $15 for a day's fishing at Wivenhoe... ::)
. I believe one permit should cover both Someret and Wivenhoe at the moment.  $100 per year or $75 if you renew. That will change next year to one permit for all SEQWater lakes I believe.
Title: Re: Lake Wivenhoe Recreational Changes
Post by: cfish on November 26, 2013, 05:00:43 PM
The yakkers will love the wake from my polycraft at low speed and it still takes ages to get anywhere at 6 knots, I'd rather they kept it electric only and opened up more access points.
Charles
Title: Re: Lake Wivenhoe Recreational Changes
Post by: aussiebasser on November 26, 2013, 05:06:38 PM
The outboard changes will be effective from December 14th I believe.  The opening of Billies Bay could take a while.
Title: Re: Lake Wivenhoe Recreational Changes
Post by: Sweetwater on November 26, 2013, 05:09:31 PM
The yakkers will love the wake from my polycraft at low speed and it still takes ages to get anywhere at 6 knots, I'd rather they kept it electric only and opened up more access points.
Charles

Did you complete an on line survey and / or attend one of the meetings?

They seemed quite open to any suggestions / ideas.
Title: Re: Lake Wivenhoe Recreational Changes
Post by: aussiebasser on November 26, 2013, 05:13:42 PM
 
The yakkers will love the wake from my polycraft at low speed and it still takes ages to get anywhere at 6 knots, I'd rather they kept it electric only and opened up more access points.
Charles
A boat operator is still responsible for his wake.  If you are irresponsible, expect to be reported.  Anybody with any nouse will troll between locations to maximise their chances.  The upper reaches of the lake will be opened up for all now.  It will be the perfect place to operate some BBQ Pontoons.
Title: Re: Lake Wivenhoe Recreational Changes
Post by: Nativeman on November 26, 2013, 05:32:53 PM
When?

Facilities? Surely they need updating first, I mean ramps, roads, Camp Grounds and the like.

Policing? 6Knots I know what 6 knots is, its walking pace..will there be someone on the water to police this.

Can you imagine just how many boats will be out there on the water now.

Edit ... Oh I think its time to buy a boat. Coming Steven, Wayne ?


Title: Re: Lake Wivenhoe Recreational Changes
Post by: aussiebasser on November 26, 2013, 06:16:00 PM
I don't think 6 knots is walking pace Sel.  You'd have to paddle flat out to reach 6 knots.  The change will take effect on December 14th, but Billies won't reopen for a while.  I'm not sure when the new toilet blocks I asked for will be built, or where they will be built. 
This is the culmination of of a very long, drawn out fight.  It started well before you guys were fishing from Kayaks out there.  When I started campaigning, Minn Kota motors were unheard of.  I had a Mercury 28lb Thruster.  I think it was 1998 because I bought my first Minn Kota in July 2000 when GST brought the price down.  Back then, Logan's Inlet was clogged with weed beds.
Title: Re: Lake Wivenhoe Recreational Changes
Post by: cfish on November 26, 2013, 06:27:36 PM
a boat operator is still responsible for his wake.  If you are irresponsible, expect to be reported.  Anybody with any nouse will troll between locations to maximise their chances.  The upper reaches of the lake will be opened up for all now.  It will be the perfect place to operate some BBQ Pontoons.

Didn't put  in a submission as I've never stopped there on the way to Monduran, I'll definitely give it a go now. I don't know what Queensland like but local fishing hole down south is a 8 knot zone and the police just turn a blind eye to people " just on the plane" do we end up with an unofficial twelve knot limit  or everyone going nowhere quickly at two knots, six  just seems silly to me .  I own a stink boat and kayak ,it seems nether side will be very happy 
Title: Re: Lake Wivenhoe Recreational Changes
Post by: Sweetwater on November 26, 2013, 06:52:01 PM
6 knots = 11 km/hour

I reckon I might just plane my tinnie at that.

A fast paddle in a fishing kayak is probably 7kph. I remember getting up to 9kph in a Minn Kota powered Peekaboo and that seemed pretty quick at water level.

I wonder if that means 4 stroke jet skis or ski boats can putt around towing the kids in a tube?
Title: Re: Lake Wivenhoe Recreational Changes
Post by: StevenM on November 26, 2013, 06:56:18 PM
If you see someone not abiding by the rules or the law.

Take a camera with you.

One wide shot and one focused more on the 200 mm leters and numbers down the side.

Report them
Title: Re: Lake Wivenhoe Recreational Changes
Post by: rayke1938 on November 26, 2013, 07:01:06 PM
I am happy with the 6 knot limit that is aprox 12kph which is twice the speed i get from my leccy.
It will open up a whole area that can be comfortably fished without having to worry about battery power.
If more people commence fishing the dam hopefully they will give it the tick on their sip but to counter that there is the freshwater ris coming up with potentially 37 new waters applying to join the sip scheme .
 I think that this will cause a significant reduction of funds available to current recipients.
It will be interesting to see if SEQ water will open up more dams that are currently leccy only to powered craft and under what conditions.
 Cheers
Ray
Title: Re: Lake Wivenhoe Recreational Changes
Post by: aussiebasser on November 26, 2013, 07:23:19 PM
This is NOT an SEQWater decision Ray.  They only found out last week.  This is a decision led by Campbell Newman and the State Government.
Title: Re: Lake Wivenhoe Recreational Changes
Post by: Sweetwater on November 26, 2013, 08:24:17 PM
I think ther positives far out weight the negatives....

Win at Wivenhoe for everyone.  Billies Bay and Hayes Landing reopened to the public. Mid lake toilets is a great idea.

I would like to have seen idle speed only (zero wash) in public access bays ie Logans Inlet, Hamon Cove & Billies Bay to save wash annoying other users & added waves onto the shoreline.

Win at Somerset for kayak canoe paddlers is going to be the northern access point to Somerset. A launch site at Villenueve will be just awesome....!!!!!!

Dale. Any mention of a boat ramp at O'Sheas Crossing or still paddle craft only?
Title: Re: Lake Wivenhoe Recreational Changes
Post by: aussiebasser on November 26, 2013, 08:36:17 PM
No mention of it Fitz, but Hamon Cove to O'Sheas is now a reality by boat.  How good would an 18 foot Pontoon boat with my 25hp Merc on it be now?
Title: Re: Lake Wivenhoe Recreational Changes
Post by: lantana on November 26, 2013, 09:45:55 PM
It had to happen Ill miss sneaking down there mid week in winter to a glassed out lake and no body in sight
A launch site for paddle craft at Villenueve is on my wish list,I must say now Im glad I bought my little Clitrex

Title: Re: Lake Wivenhoe Recreational Changes
Post by: Sweetwater on November 26, 2013, 10:00:26 PM
It had to happen Ill miss sneaking down there mid week in winter to a glassed out lake and no body in sight
A launch site for paddle craft at Villenueve is on my wish list,I must say now Im glad I bought my little Clitrex

Why wouldn't it still happen? I often go past Somerset mid week and don't see a single boat on the lake; wash boats included.  ;)

Think of all that Saratoga & Cod country that is going to be accessible to paddlers at the top of Somerset now. Could never get up there in a paddle craft for fear of running the doof doof petrol head wank boat gauntlet around Kirkleagh. Will be able to launch and start casting straight away without fear of getting turned into burley by a petrol guzzler playing Miley Sirus (sp?) song at 400Db.

On a down side, the difficulty in getting up there also kept a lot of the riff raff away. Will be set line city up there once Cletus hears he can flip the old man's riveted river punt over the bollards and won't have to drive to Glenlyon to set his droppers.....
Title: Re: Lake Wivenhoe Recreational Changes
Post by: elops on November 26, 2013, 11:29:23 PM
Better get a new Somerset Wivenhoe boating permit still got the $100 put aside that I did not spend on a NPD BAS permit this year  ;) Next review off the rank is NPD if you want to paddle sans power boats 2 new areas promised to open there.
Title: Re: Lakes Wivenhoe & Somerset Recreational Changes
Post by: yakfly on November 27, 2013, 07:26:43 AM
Who gets to go and clean up the rubbish
Title: Re: Lakes Wivenhoe & Somerset Recreational Changes
Post by: Novice on November 27, 2013, 07:42:07 AM
Who gets to go and clean up the rubbish

What rubbish?
Title: Re: Lakes Wivenhoe & Somerset Recreational Changes
Post by: aussiebasser on November 27, 2013, 09:31:48 AM
If you see someone not abiding by the rules or the law.

Take a camera with you.

One wide shot and one focused more on the 200 mm leters and numbers down the side.

Report them
Who to?
Title: Re: Lakes Wivenhoe & Somerset Recreational Changes
Post by: aussiebasser on November 27, 2013, 09:49:00 AM
Gotta love the Queensland Times.  Their report states:  POWER Boats set to roar on Wivenhoe Dam this summer.  Way to sensationalise QT.  :thumbdown
Title: Re: Lakes Wivenhoe & Somerset Recreational Changes
Post by: Peter4 on November 27, 2013, 09:53:13 AM
I understand there is supposed to be a download PDF file available from somewhere (Seqwater?) today that will provide details of all the changes taking effect from 14 December.

Has anyone seen it yet?
Title: Re: Lakes Wivenhoe & Somerset Recreational Changes
Post by: aussiebasser on November 27, 2013, 10:03:49 AM
I read it yesterday, but it's not available for download yet, should be sometime today, I'll put a link up as soon as I can.  They wouldn't let me pinch one from the meeting, although I did see the Mayor sneak one into his pocket, I was too bloody slow.

Keep watching here, SEQWater will ring me as soon as they have the IT glitches fixed apparently.
Title: Re: Lakes Wivenhoe & Somerset Recreational Changes
Post by: BG on November 27, 2013, 10:55:22 AM
Thanks for keeping your ear to the ground Dale.  Wonderful news.  Very timely for myself.

B.G.
Title: Re: Lakes Wivenhoe & Somerset Recreational Changes
Post by: aussiebasser on November 27, 2013, 03:24:18 PM
I just received this email from SEQWater.
Quote
Hi Dale
If you have a current boating permit for Somerset it will be accepted as valid for use on Wivenhoe although the additional requirements of a low emission engine (ie 4 stroke or fuel injected 2 stroke) and maximum speed limit of 6 knots will definitely apply.
Regards
Lyn
Title: Re: Lakes Wivenhoe & Somerset Recreational Changes
Post by: GrahamW on November 27, 2013, 03:25:33 PM
Interesting news!

Now a selfish question - I've been fishing Wivenhoe the past few years from my tinnie using the electric only but still with a 25HP 2 Stroke Mercury attached. Am I still going to be able to do that or is someone going to be saying that I will need to take the motor off first? As its a side console with steering cables / electrics etc taking the motor off is a major task.

Graham
Title: Re: Lakes Wivenhoe & Somerset Recreational Changes
Post by: aussiebasser on November 27, 2013, 05:47:50 PM
Nobody here can answer that Graham, I'd suggest you email SEQWater and ask them the question.
Title: Re: Lakes Wivenhoe & Somerset Recreational Changes
Post by: StevenM on November 27, 2013, 06:31:58 PM
At the end of the day it is important that everyone abides by the rules set down

Remembering that a Canoe or a Kayak is a small craft and at 6 knots some boats put out a huge wash.

I myself would have wished it was 6 knots / no wash, espesially that the stand off rule is only 30 meters.

But anyway acopy of the fishing and boating rules link for you.

http://www.msq.qld.gov.au/~/media/msqinternet/msqfiles/home/publications/rec%20guide%202012%202013/rec_guide_2012_2013.pdf (http://www.msq.qld.gov.au/~/media/msqinternet/msqfiles/home/publications/rec%20guide%202012%202013/rec_guide_2012_2013.pdf)

And to answer your question Dale on who do you report incidents, well its in the guide but for simplicity its MSQ or Marine Safety Queensland as the number one enforcer of the rules. Secondary I would belive that a report should go to SEQ water, even they more than likely have no powers to inforce or fine but am unsure.

MSQ can be contacted on the following numbers depending on the time. Obviously Brisbane would be the contact.

Business hours - 07 3632 7500 / after hours 3305 1700

here is another link 

http://www.msq.qld.gov.au/About-us/How-to-contact-us/Regions.aspx (http://www.msq.qld.gov.au/About-us/How-to-contact-us/Regions.aspx)

  http://www.msq.qld.gov.au/About-us/How-to-contact-us.aspx (http://www.msq.qld.gov.au/About-us/How-to-contact-us.aspx)

As I advised please ensure you have all the details / date / time / location / description / offence etc when dealing with MSQ. A contact of a secondary witness may also be helpful and as advised prior, take a picture. It is and may be used as eveidence.

If your now loading these numbers, our local fishwatch number is 1800 017 116

guidlines as per website

What to do

If you see, or have any information on fishing activities that you suspect are unlawful, you should follow these simple steps:

record the date, time and area where the activity occurs
record any vehicle registration numbers and a description of any vehicles involved
record any boat registration numbers and a description of any vessels involved
if you know the person or persons involved, give their details as well
give an accurate description of the activity involved, e.g. setting large numbers of crab pots, netting the local creek on low tides
ring the Fishwatch hotline to pass on this information.
Title: Re: Lake Wivenhoe Recreational Changes
Post by: rayke1938 on November 27, 2013, 07:31:33 PM
This is NOT an SEQWater decision Ray.  They only found out last week.  This is a decision led by Campbell Newman and the State Government.
So what you are saying it has nothing to do with the SEQ water review and that the whole review process was a waste of time and effort for all the people who participated.
The information that Dom Courtney gave  out at the meetings for sampsonvale and other lakes that I attended is substantially the same as the premiers announcement.
Dom went into great detail about the relaxation for the rules for Wivenhoe with the main reason being that the treatment works are a distance from the primary supply and any pollutants will disperse whilst the water meanders down the Brisbane river to My Crosby.
 No mention was made about all the cow poo,pesticides or fertilizers picked up from the farms or the adjacent townships that draw water directly from Wivenhoe.
Cheers
Ray
Title: Re: Lakes Wivenhoe & Somerset Recreational Changes
Post by: aussiebasser on November 27, 2013, 07:36:34 PM
Ray, if it had been left up to SEQWater, nothing would have changed.  This review process was driven and directed by the State Government. 
Title: Re: Lakes Wivenhoe & Somerset Recreational Changes
Post by: rayke1938 on November 27, 2013, 07:53:22 PM
I am aware that the minister lit a fire under SEQ waters tail but to be fair to SEQ water they had to wait for the flood inquiry so the delays are not entirely their fault. It has been a long drawn out process with groups in limbo with no certainty about their licenses and tenure.
The sooner the whole process is completed the better and then at least everyone knows where they stand and then plan to move forward.
Cheers
Ray.
Title: Re: Lakes Wivenhoe & Somerset Recreational Changes
Post by: Highlander on November 27, 2013, 08:20:48 PM
So is that the end of the Wivenhoe Kayak Comp?
Title: Re: Lakes Wivenhoe & Somerset Recreational Changes
Post by: aussiebasser on November 27, 2013, 08:29:03 PM
So is that the end of the Wivenhoe Kayak Comp?
Why would it be?
Title: Re: Lakes Wivenhoe & Somerset Recreational Changes
Post by: Highlander on November 27, 2013, 08:54:42 PM
Why would it be?

From the negative comments elsewhere you could be mistaken for thinking there will never be another kayaker ever go there again. Strange that some people seem to focus only on the negatives that boats will be able to do 11kms out there when there's electric boats already gonig there that go twice that speed. Boats on Big W are nothing new, I don't underatand the complaints. I completed a survey same as every else had a chance to do. didn't get what I wanted but I see they did things to suit more people. Imagine if no fishos did the survey & wivy was going to be a ski race lake  :OMG . It's not going to be a flood gate of boats that will go there that didn't go there before. Billies and Hayes being reopened is a MASSIVE step improvement for access, half the distance to paddle to the flats at Platapus that starting at Logans. I say thankyou to those involved in making this happen.  :Clap)

Anyhow, if no kayakers go because a few extra boats might go, just make the wivy comp into an all comers comp; kayaks and boats.
Title: Re: Lakes Wivenhoe & Somerset Recreational Changes
Post by: aussiebasser on November 27, 2013, 09:09:56 PM
There were well over 100 entrants in the last comp, and about a dozen people with negative comments about this decision.  I don't imagine that would kill the concept.
Title: Re: Lakes Wivenhoe & Somerset Recreational Changes
Post by: Dodge on November 28, 2013, 06:11:50 AM


Anyhow, if no kayakers go because a few extra boats might go, just make the wivy comp into an all comers comp; kayaks and boats.
Really doubt yakkers will be bothered by power boats as it is part of the regular scene on most waterways.
Title: Re: Lakes Wivenhoe & Somerset Recreational Changes
Post by: Sweetwater on November 28, 2013, 08:25:32 AM
Here's the file Wivenhoe Recreation Guide File link. It is an 8 meg pdf file

http://www.sweetwaterfishing.com.au/Lake%20Wivenhoe%20Recreation%20Guide.pdf (http://www.sweetwaterfishing.com.au/Lake%20Wivenhoe%20Recreation%20Guide.pdf)
Title: Re: Lakes Wivenhoe & Somerset Recreational Changes
Post by: aussiebasser on November 28, 2013, 08:53:50 AM
Here's the file Wivenhoe Recreation Guide File link. It is an 8 meg pdf file

[url]http://www.sweetwaterfishing.com.au/Lake%20Wivenhoe%20Recreation%20Guide.pdf[/url] ([url]http://www.sweetwaterfishing.com.au/Lake%20Wivenhoe%20Recreation%20Guide.pdf[/url])


Bugger, after all that emailing around SEQWater now have the link on their site.
http://www.previous.seqwater.com.au/public/sites/default/files/userfiles/20131127_Lake_Wivenhoe_Recreation_Guide_web.pdf (http://www.previous.seqwater.com.au/public/sites/default/files/userfiles/20131127_Lake_Wivenhoe_Recreation_Guide_web.pdf)
Title: Re: Lakes Wivenhoe & Somerset Recreational Changes
Post by: aussiebasser on November 29, 2013, 11:13:30 AM
The Somerset Guide is now available here:

http://www.previous.seqwater.com.au/public/sites/default/files/userfiles/20131127_Lake_Somerset_Recreation_Guide_web.pdf (http://www.previous.seqwater.com.au/public/sites/default/files/userfiles/20131127_Lake_Somerset_Recreation_Guide_web.pdf)


(just had a look through it.  Sure does look like my ute parked near the ramp....)
Title: Re: Lakes Wivenhoe & Somerset Recreational Changes
Post by: Muzfox on November 29, 2013, 12:55:28 PM
Anyone got info on the O'Sheas access point? Is it ready now, or if not when it will be? That looks like an interesting part of the dam to launch in, never done that reach before.
Title: Re: Lakes Wivenhoe & Somerset Recreational Changes
Post by: A Marshall on November 29, 2013, 05:08:06 PM
Never been a problem launching yaks there Muzfox.

Cheers Andrew
Title: Re: Lakes Wivenhoe & Somerset Recreational Changes
Post by: jordo on November 30, 2013, 02:36:50 PM
Hey everyone.  So when they say fuel injected 2 strokes.  I'm guessing they don't mean oil injected?  Alot of boat engines are still carby but are  oil injected so  I guess they can't be taken on there  an used am I right?
Title: Re: Lakes Wivenhoe & Somerset Recreational Changes
Post by: rayke1938 on November 30, 2013, 03:14:20 PM
They did not spell out the specifics in their user guide just said fuel injected 2 strokes and 4 stroke.
Emission standards usually used are OEDA ratings which are
        

The emissions scheme draws on the USA schemes.  The two main emissions measured are Hydrocarbons (HC) and Nitrous Oxides (NOx) combined as g/kw/hr.

The star rating system will be as follows:

Zero star - High emission (>250g/kw/hr)  - will be a handful of older design 2-stroke engines

One star - Low emission - most traditional  2-stroke engines

Two star - Very low emission  - some 2 stroke direct injection and 4 stroke engines

Three star - Ultra low emission - most 2 stroke direct injection and 4 stroke engines
Maybe they may be more specific later on.
 I would assume that it will have to be passed in legislation to give the rangers and others enforcement powers as currently the rangers do not have any powers to enforce current SEQ water rules and can only ask you to move on,( That is what we were told at one of the review meetings)
 Cheers
Ray
 Cheers
Ray
Title: Re: Lakes Wivenhoe & Somerset Recreational Changes
Post by: Sweetwater on November 30, 2013, 04:05:31 PM
Same as current rules, should be able to have a carby 2 stroke on the boat, just can't run it and use your Minn Kota
Title: Re: Lakes Wivenhoe & Somerset Recreational Changes
Post by: jordo on November 30, 2013, 05:20:21 PM
So  I  would think my early 2000 model 2 stroke 60hp mariner with only oil  injectionwould not meetthe standard. :-\
Title: Re: Lakes Wivenhoe & Somerset Recreational Changes
Post by: Sweetwater on November 30, 2013, 08:36:40 PM
So  I  would think my early 2000 model 2 stroke 60hp mariner with only oil  injection would not meetthe standard. :-\

I would agree.......... oil injection isn't fuel injection.
Title: Re: Lakes Wivenhoe & Somerset Recreational Changes
Post by: aussiebasser on November 30, 2013, 08:40:51 PM
No, oil injection is totally different to fuel injection.  The new rule is much clearer than using a star rating as many rip the stickers off their engines.  4 stroke or fuel injected 2 stroke is pretty straight forward.
Title: Re: Lakes Wivenhoe & Somerset Recreational Changes
Post by: aussiebasser on December 05, 2013, 06:35:43 AM
A snippet on the news this morning stated that Somerset Council have just received a Grant of $13 million from the Department of Agriculture for rebuilding of flood affected bridges and infrastructure.  Maybe Billies Bay will be open sooner than originally thought......