Enhancing Biodiversity Hotspots Along Western Queensland Stock ...

Site 6. Surat – Balonne River
STOCK ROUTE NUMBER: P005
PRIORITY SPECIES: Animals:
Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii peelii).
RATING: BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOT
SHIRE COUNCIL: ROMA REGIONAL COUNCIL
This site contains a large waterhole on the Balonne River that is on the approach to
the town of Surat. It has traditionally been a popular site for Murray cod
(Maccullochella peelii peelii), and similarly to the Charleville area, the cod is an icon
species amongst the locals. Many stock routes converge on Surat and along the
Balonne River, but the riparian vegetation of this site is healthy and, until recently,
had supported a colony of little red flying-fox (Pteropus scapulatus) (Plate 60).
Plate 60. Little red flying-fox colony on the Balonne River (Photo: B. Walsh).
THREATS: The major threat to this site are overgrazing by cattle that could reduce
the water quality, overfishing, and introduced carp (Cyprinus carpio) that can
compete with and displace Murray cod.
CURRENT MANAGEMENT: At this site there is monitoring and restocking of Murray
cod undertaken by the Surat Fishing Restocking Club in conjunction with DEEDI. As
with the community in Charleville, this strong local support for Murray cod is
beneficial for the species through monitoring and maintenance of the population.
RECOMMENDATIONS: As for the biodiversity hotspots for Murray cod on the
Balonne River (sites 6-8, pp. 110-113), it is important to support and maintain the
current actions to conserve Murray cod that are undertaken by the Surat Fishing
Restocking Club and DEEDI.
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