AS a follow up to our story on the unveiling of the John Dunphy Memorial Reef recently, we can now report that its deployment has begun, with the first concrete modules delivered to their new ocean home in the waters off Port Hacking.
Minister for Primary Industries, Niall Blair, said the new reef would be a major attraction for the State’s one million recreational fishers.
“Everyone is hooked on our artificial reefs and today I am excited to announce another three which will be constructed off Wollongong, Newcastle and Jervis Bay,” Mr Blair said.
“We are committed to supporting our recreational fishers, who generate over $3.4 billion each year for the NSW economy and create around 14,000 full time jobs.
“Our current reefs have over 50 species of fish and we expect this reef to attract even more.
This is the fourth reef deployed by the NSW Government since 2011 and would be a significant one to the fishing community, formally named the John Dunphy Offshore Artificial Reef.
John was a pioneer in the fishing industry and wanted to make sure fishing was a pastime anyone could enjoy.
Member for Cronulla, Mark Speakman, welcomed the deployment of NSW’s largest artificial reef to the waters off the Shire.
“This is a great catch for the anglers of Cronulla and I look forward to seeing this new reef reel in tourists from across the State to enjoy the beautiful waters off Port Hacking,” Mr Speakman said.
The reefs remain productive for decades, are non-polluting and can withstand a one -in- 100-year storm event.
Funding for the Port Hacking reef was secured by the Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW, Australian National Sportsfishing Association and the South Sydney Amateur Fishing Association through the Transport for NSW Port Botany Boating and Fishing Infrastructure Fund.
