Copperlode Fish and Kayak

14/12/2025

2 years on, something that did not need to happen. 2 years of obstruction from CRC, accountability is coming

28/05/2025

It’s with great sadness that we wish to advise that we will no longer be open at Copperlode dam.
I want to thank the thousands of people that have supported us over the years, especially during the dark days of COVID, you kept our business alive ❤️.
Cairns Regional Council without notice voted Yesterday to not renew our permit, this is despite written confirmation days before Cyclone Jasper that our permit was renewed for 4 years.
We had the audacity to call out CRC over their decision to remove the spillway net which resulted in the unnecessary cruel death of near 30,000 trophy size iconic native barramundi we had stocked.
The net removal was against Councils own dam safety procedures manual, marine biologist advice and against written procedures mandated by the CEO.
As a result we were locked out for the last 18 months.
The non renewal of our permit is kind of a moot point for us personally, council had already destroyed our business, but it showed a continued pattern of behaviour.
In councils decision yesterday , there will no longer be any recreational activities on Copperlode Dam, we feel sorry for the people of Cairns.
So now we enter the litigation phase.
Again thanks for your support and we miss George!

12/07/2024

23/06/2024

I’ve seen the photo above shared again on a number of sites. It’s is indeed an iconic shot of Barra and cassowary I took 18 months ago..
When we first started at Copperlode dam we had no idea it had a healthy cassowary population. I have identified 14 different birds, each has its own personality and area. They love chasing wild pigs, it’s quite a sight to behold.
On Australia Day 2019 we saw 8 individuals birds. George features in a number of photos, he is an inquisitive critter and visitor favourite. I’ve attached a number of photographs, enjoy!!!

30/01/2024

Hi Guys, thanks for all the messages of support and in regards to the fish at Kuranda Fish Farm looking for a new home. Unfortunately due to an extensive list of circumstances beyond our control, we are in no position to take them, but thanks of thinking of us.

18/01/2024

As night follows day!

UPDATE: “Wildlife Officers have undertaken a site assessment of the location and have installed Recent Crocodile Sighting Signs.

Wildlife Officers are unable to confirm any crocodile present in the location as no crocodile was observed during the site assessment.

Warning signs will remain in the location for seven days, which may be extended if further sightings are reported.”

!!! IMPORTANT !!! 🐊

Please note we have received notification of a saltwater croc sighting in Freshwater Creek (Boden Bridge) upstream on Mary Parker Drive Redlynch Valley. We have made the relevant state agency (DES) aware and they are investigating. I will update this post as more information comes to light Please share this post or tag your friends in the area and be CrocWise https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/plants-animals/animals/living-with/crocodiles/becrocwise

12/01/2024

Cairns Regional Council have some explaining to do!

11/01/2024

There’s a lot more to come out, but a good start!

24/12/2023

A Merry Christmas to all and our hearts go out to the residents of Holloways, Machans and everywhere else , that were affected by the post cyclone Jasper rain event.

16/12/2023

As predicted a large unnecessary fish kill has occurred in freshwater creek from the dam wall all the way to the mouth of freshwater creek as a result of Cairns regional council removing the engineered designed, fit for purpose spillway net at Copperlode Dam.
Please report first to the pollution hotline 1300130372 option 2.
Please also feel free to voice your concern to your local council member using the link below. https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/council/contact-us/contact-mayor-or-councillor

14/12/2023

Crystal cascades swimming hole, one of our Barra completely pulverised, what a waste! We want accountability from those responsible for this. Just devastating.

https://www.copperlode.com.au/_files/ugd/718343_a048bc021c164ffcbbdff237b4d647e6.pdf