Local waterway the biggest winner in 2022 Carp Cup

The Il Bogan Lagoon near Beaudesert was the biggest winner from the recent Carp Cup, as fishers and families competed for the biggest catch while removing pest Carp and Tilapia from the waterway.

A sacred site for the local Mununjali community, Il Bogan Lagoon is said to be the home of the Il Bogan bunyip, and Elders Geraldine Page, Janis Page, Delores Paulson and Roslyn Yuke were on hand for the launch of the Carp Cup with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony.  

The lagoon is now also home to 1000 native Australian Bass fingerlings which were released following the removal 49 Carp and Tilapia, ranging in size from 11.5 centimetres to 45 centimetres.

Representatives of the Logan and Albert Fish Management Association helped with fish identification and ensuring native fish, eels and freshwater turtles caught on the day were returned to the water and the Carp and Tilapia were disposed of humanely.

Carp and Tilapia are two of Queensland's declared species of noxious fish as they pose a serious threat to native aquatic communities.

Their removal from waterways helps to restore the ecological balance by reducing competition for native fish and wildlife and protects the stream banks which are damaged as pest fish forage for food and dislodge soil and aquatic plants.

The Carp Cup attracted 55 participants of all ages, welcomed by Deputy Mayor Jeff McConnell, Councillor Virginia West and Councillor Michael Enright, who presented the prizes.

Winner of the Scenic Rim Regional Council Carp Cup 2022 was Dorina Gyurcsik, who caught the largest Carp on the day.

Medals were also awarded for the First Pest Fish of the Day, Under 14 Years Largest Tilapia, Under 14 Years Largest Carp, Largest Tilapia and even the Smallest Pest Fish of the Day. A medal for Haul of the day was won by Liam Goeldner who reeled in a total of 10 pest fish.

Cr Enright acknowledged the contribution of participants in ridding the waterway of pest fish and improving the lagoon's habitat for native wildlife.

Anglers of all ages will have another opportunity to have fun while fishing for pest species at the Wyaralong Dam Carp/Tilapia Eradication Comp, organised by the Logan and Albert Fish Management Association, on Saturday 29 October from 7am to 2pm.

Full details and entry forms are available from the website lafma.org/