THE man with the unmistakable moustache, Merv Hughes is making a move on the Peter Faust Dam early in the new year.

The former Australian fast bowler turned fishing adventure TV host has been secured by Tourism Whitsundays to appear at the dam in search of big barramundi.

Series three of The Merv Hughes Fishing show will begin broadcasting free to air on Channel 10 in May and the Proserpine Dam episode will be shot on location at the dam in April.

CEO of Tourism Whitsunday Craig Turner said the attraction of a national TV show to the Whitsundays was part of the organisation's ongoing commitment to bettering the region.

"We are committed to promoting the Proserpine Dam as the best barra enclosure in Australia,” Mr Turner said.

"We are committed to make it work and hopefully industry will support us and we will get Proserpine on the map.”

The Whitsunday Regional Council and TW met with the dam's owners SunWater in October about upgrades to the boat ramp and the inclusion of additional pontoons, as well as the potential for partnerships with commercial operators to further develop the area.

"SunWater has a number of successful recreation area partnerships with regional councils. We are continuing discussions with council to explore opportunities that will benefit the local community,” a SunWater representative said.