The Queensland Murray Darling Committee has joined forces with Goondiwindi District Promotions and the two organisations are pleased to announce that on 19 May they will host the inaugural Goondiwindi Carp Cull. The aim of the day is to remove carp from the Macintyre River, educate anglers about the environmental effects of carp and promote the environmental, social and economic benefits of improving the natural ecosystem.

QMDC’s Pest Animal Officer, Adam Logan said, “Carp adversely impact native biodiversity, but it is important to focus on the steps we can take to improve the state of the environment and advantage native fish. Fishing responsibly and respecting the natural environment can improve the state of native fish stocks, and will help provide a vibrant natural fishery for future generations to enjoy.”

The Goondiwindi reach of the Macintyre River, where the contest will be held, is known for regularly producing big Murray cod with 10lb specimens and the odd 50lb fish. It also holds significant stocks of yellowbelly including plenty of good eating fish in the 1-2kg range. Anglers have had success using a variety of methods, from bobbing worms and shrimp around structure to trolling hard-bodied lures or flicking spinnerbaits from the boat or bank.

Carp can be caught on worms, corn or bread. Some locals have also had success using fly gear, with specimens to 15kg taken by anglers using this method.

Situated in the Western Darling Downs region, Goondiwindi lies on the banks of the Macintyre River, which marks the divide between NSW and Queensland. It sits at the heart of the region’s cotton, wheat, beef and wool industries and is also the home to the legendary racehorse Gunsynd, ‘the Goondiwindi Grey’.

“Goondiwindi looks forward to welcoming all participants of the inaugural Carp Cull,” said Goondiwindi District Promotions president, Mr Jamie White. “We are blessed with an unspoilt natural environment, and the culling of pests such as the European carp is very important to maintaining the environment and ensuring everybody can enjoy the thrill of landing a Murray cod into the future,” Mr White said.

“When in large numbers, carp can increase the turbidity of water by stirring up sediments during feeding. This can have many effects, including a decrease in plant growth due to lack of sunlight, the clogging of fish gills and the smothering of aquatic plants with the excess sediment in the water. A large number of carp may also lead to a reduction in native fish numbers. Carp compete with aquatic animals for food and spawning sites, and make aquatic habitat less suitable for native fish breeding and survival.” – QMDC