Community
4 April, 2025
Clearing Emu Creek’s carp
SKIPTON Primary School, in partnership with the Stewart Park Committee of Management, will be hosting a special fishing competition to support the health of Mount Emu Creek this month.
The competition will see anglers and budding fishers catching carp from the creek, with prizes across four ager group categories for longest fish, smallest fish, heaviest fish, mystery weight and most fish caught.
Grade 5 and 6 students Poppy Byrne, Alfie Sim, Maisie Molloy, George Mulcahy and Max Medson said the carp were introduced from Lake Burrumbeet following the October 2022 flood event.
“The carp are disturbing the mud in the bottom of the creek, making it extremely difficult for the platypus to find food and survive,” the students said.
“The carp breed all year round, and they eat native fish eggs and larvae that feed other native fish and birds.
“They also disturb the vegetation on the creek banks where frogs and platypus live.”
The competition will run from 9am-3pm on Sunday, April 13, with food and a barbecue provided.
Various fishing and camping equipment will be on offer as prizes for the under-five, under 13, under 18 and open age group competitions.
The students said some of Skipton’s best anglers will be hosting fishing demonstrations for first-time fishers.
“Landcare, Skipton Angling Club and Fish Care – who will have 20 rods available for those without equipment to use – will be there to help,” the students said.
“If you are an adult and choose to participate with Fish Care you won’t need a licence.
“If you are under 18 or over 70 you won’t need a fishing licence for this event.
“If you’re under 18 years old, you will need a parent to sign you in to compete.
“Children under 10 years will need responsible adult supervision at all times.”
For more information contact Skipton Primary School science and sustainability teacher Georgina Green at georgina.green2@education.vic.gov.au.