Anglers in the south west can look forward to better fishing opportunities thanks to four new projects worth a total of more than $187,500.
The projects account for four of the 17 new recreational fishing projects, worth $1 million in total, that are funded using revenue derived from the sale of recreational fishing licences.
They include:
- $86,400 over three years to gain a better understanding the stock structures, biology and population status of mulloway in Victoria – The Nature Glenelg Trust will undertake this research project to gain a better understanding of the stock structures, biology and population status of mulloway in Victoria, through citizen science and fisheries research. The project will focus on estuarine and marine coastal waters across Victoria.
- $46,877.50 over one year for the installation of a fishing platform on the Aire River – The Association of Geelong & District Angling Clubs will manage the construction of a boardwalk and all abilities fishing platform on the Aire River, which is very popular with recreational fishers seeking black bream.
- $30,713.82 over one year for the installation of a fishing platform on the Gellibrand River at Princetown – The Association of Geelong & District Angling Clubs will manage the construction of a boardwalk and all abilities fishing platform on the Gellibrand River opposite the gateway to the Princetown camping ground which will improve access for anglers. At present the anglers have to negotiate over 40 metres of tall grass, or when the river mouth is closed this area is a flood plain and inaccessible. The river is known for the quality of bream, mulloway, mullet and sea run brown trout.
- $23,555.74 over one year for the installation of a fishing platform at the junction of the Gellibrand River and Latrobe Creek near Princetown – The Association of Geelong & District Angling Clubs will manage the construction of an all abilities fishing platform on the Gellibrand river just upstream from where the Latrobe Creek meets the Gellibrand River. This project
will improve angler access in an area that is presently difficult to access.
This area is known for captures of large bream, mulloway, mullet and sea run
brown trout.
The projects will complement the Andrews Labor Government’s Target One Million plan for recreational fishing, which aims to get more people fishing, more often by growing
participation to one million anglers by 2020.
A great family pastime, recreational fishing contributes $2.3 billion to our social and economic well-being.
Improving fishing opportunities and facilities is a key component of the Target One Million plan, which will grow participation to one million anglers by 2020, boost fish
stocking from three to five million per annum and strengthen angling club membership.
The Labor Government provided $20 million in the recent 2015-16 Victorian Budget to implement the Target One Million plan and encourage more families to get outdoors and enjoy this rewarding pastime.
Find out more at www.vic.gov.au/targetonemillion or for a full list of the 17 new projects visit www.vic.gov.au/feesatwork2015
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney MP
“We’re investing in better facilities, better knowledge, and better fishing opportunities for our anglers in the south west”
“We want to keep the south west as a great place to wet a line – that’s why we’re investing in long term improvements that will benefit anglers and local businesses.”
“Our Target One Million plan will grow recreation fishing in Victoria, creating jobs, supporting local businesses and giving families better opportunities to spend time together outdoors.”