2007 President's Report
2008 will see a majority of our long awaited Hatchery Project come into being. With two of our government community grant applications being approved in 2007 and the funding received, a major part of our project has come together in the form of the Community Water Grants and the Recreational Fishing Community Grants Program. This funding has allowed MIFSG to order the equipment that will contribute to the creation of our most ambitious project to date, the Hatchery Project. The contribution of local mining company Xstrata through the Xstrata Community Partnership Program has allowed MIFSG to purchase a twelve by thirty metre colour bond shed in kit form to be erected at the Outback at Isa site. The shed will house the equipment including tanks and filtration systems to breed and grow out our local native fish. On going negotiations with Mount Isa City Council will determine the conditions of a lease arrangement that will allow MIFSG to construct on the Outback at Isa site.
The 2007 fishing Classic was another outstanding success with a growth in sponsorship that allowed MIFSG to advertise our event more widely in Queensland and attract more competitors from outside our district. The excellent sponsorship also allowed for a better quality of prize for the category winners for the 2007 Fishing Classic. Mount Isa Water was our major sponsor again in 2007 and was impressed with the level of exposure they received as major sponsor. New sponsors who came on board in 2007 have indicated they will make more of a contribution to the 2008 event that can only be of benefit the MIFSG. A mention must be made about the positive sponsorship/media consultation done by Nova Consultants that has contributed to the promotion of the Fishing Classic. The engagement of the consultancy firm has grown our event and must continue.
The 2007 Boat Raffle saw a good quality boat package raffled in our community and contributed significantly to our annual income as a “stand alone” fundraiser. Although drawn at our major fundraiser, the Fishing Classic as an added attraction, the annual boat raffle is widely anticipated and recognised in our community as a MIFSG initiative that the community supports very well. The competitive discount offered by our local boat supplier, Atlas Superstore, allows MIFSG to shop locally and offer a good quality boat package to our community at a fair price and odds to win. The support offered by local businesses with selling raffle tickets contributes greatly to the sales and income from tickets. In particular special thanks must be given to Gary Cooke and the team at Tool N Tackle for the excellent support they gave with the 2007 Boat Raffle. Thanks also go to Dawn White at Isa Party Hire and Gail Bishop at Nifty’s Takeaway for their support with the 2007 Boat Raffle sales.
The MIFSG executive has worked very hard to build the group in 2007 with membership recruitment a priority objective. The obvious benefit of more members increases the chance of individuals coming forward to contribute to our organisation. I must stress that the membership recruitment and retention should not lose focus in the coming year or ever. The membership are the lifeblood of our organisation and a major priority must be given to involving our members in our activities through very good communication and participation in MIFSG organised events.
The hardest working executive member for 2007 has to go to Brigitte Sharp for the tireless effort she has put into the building and maintenance of the MIFSG accounts. As can be seen from the audit report for the 2006, 2007 financial years the MIFSG accounts and assets have gained in magnitude and this is due to careful scrutiny Brigitte placed on all of her efforts as MIFSG Treasurer. Unfortunately Brigitte will not be standing for Treasurer for a third term and MIFSG will not have the benefit of her excellent work ethic and attention to detail. I wish to thank Brigitte for her dedication for the past two years and ask that the MIFSG recognise her brilliant contribution to our organisation. THANK YOU Brigitte and all the best with your future endeavours. Brigitte has indicated that she will be available to support the new Treasurer with any advice and will continue assist with MIFSG fundraising activities. Many thanks for that support Brigitte.
I would like to thank Helen Burns who filled the role of Secretary in 2007. Helen has come in without any knowledge of the MIFSG and done what has been asked of her to the best of her ability. Helen will not be standing for a second term but has also made herself available to assist MIFSG where she can.
Russell Corrigan filled the role of Vice President very well despite his lack of knowledge of the MIFSG and has advised and assisted me considerably in 2007. I would like to thank Russell for his support and look forward to working with him to progress our organisation in 2008.
The focus on recruitment in 2007 is paying off with a number of new members coming forward to offer assistance with the running of the MIFSG. This has led to long-term plans for social, fundraising and fish stocking activities being put in place that will benefit our organisation and our community. The future leadership of the MIFSG need to build on the support we get from our members and take advantage to the support they offer.
Fish restocking activities have unfortunately been curtailed in the last two seasons because of lack of supply from Sooty Grunter breeders and a breakdown in communication with GBRA for Barramundi supply. The drought that had gripped the state in the last few years has dramatically affected Sooty production from reliable suppliers. Conversely, the recent floods in Sooty breeding areas has delayed production in the short term but in the long term Sooty deliveries are anticipated in the coming year.
Lack of direct communication from the GBRA in Karumba may contribute to the lack of Barramundi being stocked in the Mount Isa district for the 2008 season. The flooding rivers in the Gulf, during the wet season, have always been a major risk for the production and delivery of Gulf Barramundi to Mount Isa. The isolation of Karumba by recent floods has blocked access and dramatically lowered the chances of successful late season spawn due to fresh water in the Norman River. MIFSG had indicated we prefer the late season production, and on this basis, were not contacted with advice of local conditions in the Gulf. It has been made clear to Karumba that MIFSG expect more direct communication to make decisions that influence our stocking priorities.
The coming year has many challenges and opportunities for MIFSG. As a group we must continue to pull together to advance our organisation to the point where we are recognised more widely in our community for the good work that we do with the creation and maintenance of a viable recreational fishery that is available to all our community.
Thank you to the MIFSG members that have supported me for the 2007 year. I have no doubt that the same support will be given to the people that take on the leadership role at MIFSG for the 2008 year. I wish the incoming executive all the best in 2008, please keep up the good work.
George Fortune
President 2007