Enhancing Biodiversity Hotspots Along Western Queensland Stock ...

Site 12. Bakers Bend (Warrego River)
STOCK ROUTE NUMBER: P052
PRIORITY SPECIES: Animals:
Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii peelii).
RATING: BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOT
SHIRE COUNCIL: MURWEH SHIRE
Bakers Bend is one of the largest waterholes on the Warrego River, and a popular
local and tourist destination. This is major refugia for aquatic species, such as Murray
cod (Maccullochella peelii peelii), and averages about six metres deep. The stock
route runs on both sides of the river, and is classified as active but has not been used
for some years. The riparian vegetation is mostly healthy, old growth trees, with the
exception of some eroded sites, and is a known habitat for koala (Phascolarctos
cinereus) and sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps).
THREATS: The major threats to Bakers Bend are overfishing, habitat degradation
from water extraction, introduced carp (Cyprinus carpio) that can compete with and
displace Murray cod, and siltation from erosion that is exacerbated by feral goats
(Plate 43).
Plate 43. Erosion at Bakers Bend (Photo: B. Walsh).
CURRENT MANAGEMENT: The CFRC, under guidance from DEEDI, conduct
recreational monitoring, restocking and catch and release for Murray cod (Plate 44).
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