Recreational fishers can now enjoy improved access to Mallacoota Inlet thanks to the reconstruction of the Mallacoota fisheries jetty, Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull said today.
Mr Bull and Minister responsible for recreational fishing, Peter Walsh looked over the facility in Mallacoota last week and saw its benefits first hand with visiting angler, John Baratta happy to show off two nice salmon he had just caught.
Mr Bull said the original jetty, which was closed to the public for many years had deteriorated over time and was deemed unsafe.
Using $81,181 provided through the Victorian Government’s Recreational Fishing Grants Program, the Futurefish Foundation co-ordinated the reconstruction with help from a local design engineer, local tradesmen and the East Gippsland Shire Council.
Mr Bull said the new platform provided safe and convenient access to deep water where dusky flathead, salmon, black bream, whiting and trevally thrive. It was great to be able to show the Minister the benefits first hand, particularly a visiting angler having success.
“It just goes to show what recreational fishing does for the economy of East Gippsland.
“The structure has been rebuilt to cater for fishers of all abilities and is now fitted with rod holders, bait boards and fish cleaning facilities,” Mr Bull said.
Futurefish Foundation Director, David Kramer said recreational fishing licence revenue has now funded four recreational fishing platforms along the two-kilometre Mallacoota Boardwalk.
“The rebuild of the Mallacoota fisheries jetty into a purpose-designed recreational fishing platform will complete a land-based fishing precinct of a magnitude never before seen in Victoria.”
The Recreational Fishing Grants Program and licence revenue have funded over 360 projects worth more than $13.7 million since 2001.
The Victorian Coalition Government is also implementing a new $16.2 million initiative over the next four years to boost opportunities for recreational fishing across regional Victoria.
For more information about how angling licence fees are being spent to improve fishing opportunities visit www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing/feesatwork
