THE Victorian Government has backed a plan put forward by the tackle industry to make Port Phillip Bay a recreational fishing reserve.
Premier Denis Napthine over the weekend released a “$65 million Better Bay Plan” aimed at creating “recreational fishing meccas” in Port Phillip Bay and Corio Bay.
This announcement follows a campaign led by the Australian Fishing Trade Association, and supported by tackle shops and Victorian fishing identities including Rex Hunt, Lee Rayner, Paul Worsteling and Adam Royter, calling for the creation of a rec-fishing reserve on the foreshores of Australia’s second biggest city.
See HERE for details on AFTA’s “vision” for Port Phillip Bay.
AFTA is currently working with the RFA and Sunfish, the peak bodies in NSW and Queensland, to develop similar rec-fishing benefits for Sydney and Brisbane.
If his Government is re-elected at the state poll later this month, Dr Napthine said he would phase out commercial netting and invest heavily in infrastructure to deliver better opportunities for Victorian anglers.
Dr Napthine said his plan focused on preserving and rehabilitating one of the state’s best assets, while also building important community infrastructure to enable more people to enjoy Port Phillip Bay.
The plan would include:
* $16.7 million to protect the bay against the impacts of erosion, litter and marine pests;
* and $4.29 million to upgrade and improve fishing piers.
Dr Napthine said the Victorian Coalition Government was committed to improving recreational fishing opportunities for Victorians and, if re-elected, would allocate $20 million over four years towards a buyback of commercial licences for Port Phillip Bay and Corio Bay.
“This will significantly improve recreational fishing opportunities through greater fish numbers in the bay, which will in turn boost the recreational fishing industry and see benefits flow on to local businesses.
“Our vision is for Port Phillip Bay and Corio Bay to be recreational fishing meccas for locals and visitors,” Dr Napthine said.
In Fisho’s view, AFTA and its CEO Allan Hansard deserve congratulations for doing the hard yards in lobbying and advocating for angler rights and opportunities. The welcome announcement by the Victorian Government about the creation of “fishing meccas” shows that AFTA understands what grassroots fishos want and is prepared to do what is needed in order to achieve the best results for the angling sector. The work AFTA has done in Victoria and is also doing in partnership with the state peak bodies in NSW and Queensland shows what can be achieved when anglers and angling groups work together.
It is understood that AFTA officials are currently talking with the Labor Opposition in Victoria about the creation of a rec fishing reserve in Port Phillip Bay – and possibly other waterways as well. AFTA is also expected to demand Labor rule out any plans for new marine parks in Victoria.
Read AFTA press release HERE.
