Presenter

Rod Cheetham 

(B.Ed. Env. Sci) is an Extension Officer with the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries. (DPI&F)

Rod Cheetham (B.Ed. Env. Sci) is an Extension Officer with DPI&F Fisheries. Originally from Victoria, he spent 15 years at the State Fish Hatchery at Snobs Creek. Here he gained a sound knowledge of trout in natural and aquaculture situations, plus native fish breeding and production research. He was also responsible for setting up and day to day running the Visitor Centre, with world class freshwater aquarium displays. Since becoming a Queenslander in 1997 for the last 11 years he has assisted many prospective and existing aquaculturalists in refining their descisions and operations.   He is also heavily involved with the DPI&F Freshwater Fish restocking program.  Rod and his family live in Kingaroy in SE Queensland.  

Some recent activities have included regular cooking demonstrations at functions such as the Toowoomba AgShow, where a cooperative effort between the Department and growers continues to promote the health benefits freshwater cultured product, as well as active involvement with AAQ workshops and the annual conference.

In 2003 Rod received the AAQ Carson Award for services to the industry.

Rod currently works mainly with inland finfish producers, and combined with his DPI&F colleagues covers areas from the Fitzroy basin south, the Burnett, and more recently the Murray Darling catchment.

If advising clients, Rod is quick to point out that true aquaculture is a commitment, and not necessarily a lifestyle.  What you eventually get out of the industry is what you put in.  No short term gains have been observed in Queensland freshwater, but those that stick at it with good sound management, a bit of financial backing and a commitment to best practise principles eventually see a reward for their efforts. 

Rod's presentation will provide us with a snapshot of south east Qld freshwater fish production and discuss some of the potential implications of recent economic and world phenomena.