A new floating pontoon jetty on the Fitzroy River, east of Portland, has replaced the old wooden one at Tyrendarra and is now ready for anglers to use this summer.
Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP said the new jetty had been funded by recreational fishing licence fees and would make fishing with family and friends even easier.
“Improving access and facilities is at the cornerstone of the Andrews Labor Government’s Target One Million plan for recreational fishing, which aims to get more people fishing more often,” Ms Tierney said.
“The new floating jetty features seating, rod holders and is wider to cater for more anglers and those in wheelchairs.
“The jetty restores safe fishing access for shore-based anglers trying to catch mullet, black bream, estuary perch and Australian salmon in the river’s lower reaches.
“The $60,460 project was supported by VRFish, the Port Fairy Angling Club and the Yambuk Angling Club.”
Ms Tierney said the replacement of the Tyrendarra jetty had been funded through the Recreational Fishing Grants Program, which is now open for large projects worth between $5,001 and $100,000.
“Fishing clubs, community groups, incorporates bodies and government agencies are encouraged to apply for project funding in the current 2015/16 round, which closes on 29 February 2016.
“Smaller project proposals, worth less than $5,000, can be submitted anytime,” Ms Tierney said.
Since its inception 14 years ago, the Recreational Fishing Grants Program has funded more than 600 projects worth over $21 million to improve fishing opportunities for Victorian anglers.
For more information visit www.vic.gov.au/fishinggrants