DUST off your rod, pack a picnic and load up the family or friends because your chance of catching a fish may have been multiplied this month.
A range of projects, including the restocking of waterways, improving access and building habitats are part of a $35M plan hatched by the State Government and funded by recreational fishing licence fees and Go Fishing Victoria, to get more people fishing more often.
Over 10,000 ‘ready-to-catch’ fish have been released in the Goulburn River and in more than 15 lakes around the region.
State Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes said, “Regional families [have] a great opportunity to re-explore Victoria’s north, and our ongoing investment into fish restocking provides a fun activity for all keen anglers, no matter their experience.”
Track improvements on the Goulburn River between Murchison and Shepparton will allow two-wheel-drive vehicles to access the river, previously only accessible by four-wheel drives.
Shepparton Weir and Browns Rd in Murchison have been improved, with works beginning soon at Andersons Rd, Campbell’s Bend and Hutchinson’s Bend.
Meanwhile, the Goulburn Valley Association of Angling Clubs will receive a grant to install a woody habitat at Waranga Basin, creating more homes for the golden perch.
Melissa Horne, Minister for Fishing and Boating, said, “Fishers are making a huge investment into their own pastime by purchasing a fishing licence – that’s why we’re proud to be providing additional funding over four years to get more people fishing, more often, and to ensure this experience is Australia’s best.”
Stocked local waterways include: Arboretum Dam (Euroa), Bartlett Lake (Tatura), Glenrowan Recreational Reserve Lake, Mooroopna Recreation Reserve Lake, and Victoria Lake (Shepparton).
For more information and the full list, visit www.vfa.vic.gov.au/holidaytrout
