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Sport and Recreation Environment and Water | November 19, 2018

Liberal Nationals’ plan for better fishing for all Victorians

Recreational fishers and boaters in western Victoria will benefit from an enhanced fish stocking program and better access to Victorian fisheries if The Nationals are elected to government.

Recreational fishing and boating already makes a huge contribution to our local economy, bringing people into the community to try their luck at popular local waterways including Toolondo, Rocklands and Lake Bellfield Reservoirs.

The Nationals Member for Lowan Emma Kealy said recreational fishing was a real driver of economic activity in rural and regional communities and should definitely be encouraged.

“Many locals regularly head out to our amazing lakes and rivers for a weekend with the family or friends, but it also brings many visitors to our region who spend money at local bait and tackle shops, fishing and boating stores and other local businesses,” Ms Kealy said.

“Recreational fishing provides fantastic social and economic benefits for our communities, which is why we’re committed to making the sector even better.”

An elected Liberal Nationals Government will implement a Nine Point Plan for Better Fishing across Victoria which includes:

1. Establishing the new Blue Infrastructure Fund which will return all revenue from boating fees back into better boat ramps, car parks and other boating infrastructure;
2. Free parking at boat ramps and no launching fees;
3. A $30 million Fish Habitat Restoration Fund to restore native fisheries throughout Victoria;
4. Developing a Bay Strategy 2040 to guide the recreational, environmental, commercial and tourism use and regulation of Port Phillip Bay;
5. Working with key stakeholders to develop a Recreational Fishing Tourism Strategy for Victoria;
6. A Gippsland Lakes Sustainability Plan that will include a voluntary buyback of commercial fishing licences and plans for boosting fish stocks and habitat restoration works;
7. A new $7 million native fish hatchery at Shepparton to help breed more native fish in Victoria and continue expanding our successful fish stocking programs;
8. Improving access to existing fisheries and secure access to new locations; and
9. Ensuring fishing licence revenue is used for maximum benefit to improve recreational fishing.

“Only the Nationals will provide a better deal for recreational fishing in western Victoria,” Ms Kealy said.