The competition is held each year with the hope that the competition will significantly reduce the number of carp in the local river system as the creeks and rivers have dried into pools, restricting the carp’s ability to move long distances. Carp is an introduced pest fish species that cause large amounts of damage in Australian rivers. Their characteristic digging and sucking behaviour can cause riverbank collapse and erosion, water quality degradation through suspended sediment and shallowing of deep pools. All of these factors make it difficult for the survival of native fish and other aquatic organisms, as carp directly compete with native fish for food.

There will be five cash prizes of offer as well as lots of lucky door prizes. 

Prizes will be awarded for biggest adult fish/open ($100 cash), most fish caught by an adult/open ($100 cash), biggest fish caught by a junior 14 years and under ($50 cash), most fish caught by a junior 14 years and under ($50 cash) and longest line of fish open ($100). 

The weigh-in will take place until 4.30pm, Saturday,  January 26, with the presentation and free sausage sizzle for participants taking place at 4.30pm. 

Carp for the competition can be caught anywhere in the Coolah/Dunedoo/Mendooran area and only legal fishing methods may be used. 

To register for the event contact Dunedoo Landcare Officer Simon Ferguson on 6375 1404, 0428 664 235 or dagci@bigpond.com. Registration will take place at the Dunedoo Landcare office on Thursday, January 24, Friday, January 25 from 7.30am or on the morning of Saturday, January 26 from 7.30am to 10am. 

Entry to the event costs $5 per person.

More information on the event can be found on the Dunedoo Coolah Landcare Facebook page, at

cw.cma.nsw.gov.au/newsandevents/calnder.html or by dropping into the Landcare office at 94 Bolaro Street, Dunedoo.