About the competition
- Do I have to register for the competition?
To be eligible to submit an entry for the prize, all participants must register for the competition, this includes children with parents’ permission. All registered participants will receive a competition registration number. This registration number must be used to submit any entries into the draw. Submissions without the registration number will not be accepted.
- Is there a cost to enter?
There is no cost to enter the competition, however all associated equipment costs are the responsibility of the participant.
- Where can I catch a fish?
Fish can be caught at the following Palmerston lakes: (see below map of all lakes)
- Sanctuary Lakes, Gunn (access via Lakeview Blvd)
- Marlow Lagoon Lakes (access via Elrundie Avenue)
- Durack Lakes
Any fish caught outside of these lakes are NOT eligible for entry into the draw.
- What fish are eligible for entry into the prize draw?
Tagged Barramundi only.
- What are the prizes and when are they drawn?
Visit the prize detail information on the website for more details.
- Are only tagged fish eligible for entry into the prize draw?
Yes, there are tagged Barra released for the purpose of catch and release. Only tagged fish attracts a prize.
- How many tagged fish are there?
There were 59 new tagged Barra released throughout all Palmerston Lakes this year (in July). All tagged fish from previous seasons are still valid in this competition.
- How do I enter my catch into the prize draw?
You need to submit two photos of your catch. The first photo needs to show the tag with the numbers on the tag clearly visible and the tag should not be removed from the fish. The second photo needs to show the entire fish, and prove it is alive and uninjured. The tagged fish are not to be removed from the lakes.
Submit a catch here, the following details will also be required.
Competition Registration Number
Participant’s Full Name
Date of Catch
Tag Number
Catch Location - Sanctuary Lakes, Durack Lakes, Marlow Lagoon- If I catch a fish, do I automatically win a prize?
No, to win the $250.00 prize your entry needs to be in the first of five tagged barra catch submissions for the month. Please note that the competition begins at 12:00 am on the First day of the month and ends at 11:59 pm on the last day of the month as per the English Calendar. The Competition runs only for the months of October 2021, November 2021, December 2021 and January 2022. If you catch the ‘Lucky Baz’ tagged barra, you can submit the entry at any time within the calendar month to be eligible for the $1000.00 prize.
- How do I claim my prize?
Winners will be contacted by CoP officers by phone, so please ensure that the phone numbers entered in the submissions and registration forms are correct. All winners will be listed on our website and printed in the NT News. Prizes will be available for collection between 8.00am and 5.00pm at 11 The Boulevard, Palmerston on a pre-determined day as discussed with you by the CoP officers.
- What are the prizes?
Over $9000.00 worth of prize vouchers are up for grabs from October 2021 to January 2022. Prizes will be awarded in the form of vouchers to be redeemed at local businesses and are not redeemable for cash. Each winner can select one Palmerston business from which to receive their voucher for the $250.00 voucher prize and the ‘Lucky Baz’ winner can choose multiple Palmerston businesses with the minimum amount per voucher as $500.00.
- How do I learn more about Catch and Release fishing?
The Northern Territory Government website contains a variety of information about recreational fishing including how to release your catch and correct handling procedures for fish. Click here to be redirected.
Condition of Palmerston Lakes
- What is the weed in the lakes?
The most significant weed for Council to manage is Salvinia (Salvinia molesta). It is an aggressive, fast growing aquatic weed that form dense mats over waterways. Council have been working closely with Northern Territory Government (NTG) Weeds Branch to ensure an ongoing successful management program is implemented and maintained. Unfortunately the weed is so invasive and fast growing, that our lakes are likely to still have Salvinia growing even after being cleaned. Watch the video on Salvinia here.
- Which lakes have been cleared and are currently suitable for fishing?
Unfortunately due to the massive growth of the Salvinia Weed there are minimal lakes suitable for fishing currently (20 Feb 2022)
- Durack Lakes (Lakes 1B, 3, 8 and 10b - see map below)
- Sanctuary Lakes
(please note that there may be some weed still present in the lakes)
- Which lakes will be cleaned next?
Durack Lake 8 is currently being cleaned with Durack Lakes 7 and 6 next.
(Information correct as of 20 February 2022)
- Where can I find more information on Salvinia?
Please visit for more information on Salvinia in the NT.
- Where can I report suspected weeds or receive weed management advice?
Please contact the Weed Management Branch at the Darwin regional office:
Level 3 Goyder Centre, 25 Chung Wah Terrace Palmerston NT 0831
PO Box 496
Phone: (08) 8999 4567
Email: weedinfo@nt.gov.au- Can you eat the barramundi?
No, you cannot consume any fish, weed or water from the Palmerston Lakes. This is a catch and release competition and all barramundi must be placed back into the lake.
Durack Lakes
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