FEBRUARY marks the annual release of boating access permits for Lake Samsonvale (Peter Faust Dam), with the new season commencing on May 4, 2004 and operating for 12 months. Samsonvale offers a good variety of species, with Australian bass, golden perch, silver perch, saratoga and Mary River cod stocked over the last decade.

Stocking at Lake Samsonvale is carried out by the Pine Rivers Fish Management Association (PRFMA), under a license agreement with the owners, the South East Queensland Water Corporation (SEQWater). The major source of funding for the PRFMA’s stocking is the issue of boating access permits, and this program ensured the 2003 stocking was one of the best in recent years.

The boating access scheme allows the issue of a maximum of 300 permits, available to anyone over 16 years of age. Permits for the 2004/05 season will soon be available at a cost of $100 (plus a $10 refundable key deposit) and will operate from Tuesday May 4, 2004 for a period of 12 months. The permit scheme allows access to a defined section of the lake, with approximately 8km of water available, about the maximum comfortable range for manual or electric propulsion (sorry, no outboards are allowed).

Permit holders are issued with a key to access the site, a photo permit card, and craft identification stickers. All holders are required to sign a deed of agreement with the PRFMA that sets out the conditions of access. These simple conditions ensure that all anglers comply with the conditions imposed by SEQWater to maintain water quality and respect the rights of lease holders around the lake, as well as ensuring safety on the site. The Association also requires permit holders to fill out catch cards to collect data which assists with future stocking decisions.

Applications forms will be available at bait and tackle stores from mid-February, or can be obtained by contacting the PRFMA at PO Box 131, Lawnton, QLD 4501, ph. 0417 742 023, or via email at --e-mail address hidden-- .

1) The Woods family show how it’s done at Lake Samsonvale.