Tommy Norton, the new Lakes Entrance dredge, will boost confidence and ensure safe ocean access is maintained for Victoria’s largest commercial fishing fleet and growing recreational fleet, according to Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, who welcomed the vessel into port today.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to see our new dredge arrive, having initiated the expressions of interest process for its construction when in government back in 2014,” Mr Bull said.

“The recreational boating and commercial fishing industries operating within and through the Port of Gippsland Lakes generate more than $200 million annually, so it is vital that safe ocean access at Lakes Entrance is maintained.

“Safe ocean access is also so important to our tourism industry.”

Mr Bull said he was pleased that the current State Government had seen the project through to its completion.

“The arrival of the new dredge gives confidence to the East Gippsland community that the entrance will now remain navigable for the long-term, which in turn provides security that will support ongoing investment in our region,” he said.

“For example, the emerging broadbill fishing sector and the many visitors it has already started to attract can now have confidence they have as safe as possible ocean access.”

Mr Bull said there would likely be a public open day for the Tommy Norton on the weekend of October 7 and 8, but in the meantime could be viewed from the shore at its Gippsland Ports mooring on Bullock Island.

Caption: Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, welcomes the Tommy Norton into the Gippsland Lakes system. The former Liberal-Nationals Coalition initiated the expressions of interest process for the dredge’s construction in 2014.

Friday, September 1, 2017