Budget 2019 will invest $9.7million towardsimproving recreational fishing for Top End fishos and tourists.
The funding – which is part of the Territory LaborGovernments five-year $50 million investment in recreational fishing – willcreate local jobs, improve access and infrastructure, and increase fish stocks.
In 2019/20, key elements of the investmentinclude:
$300,000 for the Darwin region Fish Stocking Program ($900,000 overthe 5-year program)
Stockingdams and lakes in the Palmerston and greater Darwin area, helping to buildstrong fish stocks and access to land based fishing for young anglers.
$2Million towards artificial reefs and fish aggregation devices ($9.5Mover the 5-year program)
Construction of fourreef structures to create an environmentally friendly habitat thatattracts fish, helps build fish stocks and creates new fishing hot spots.
$650,000 for a recreational fishing survey ($1.7M over the 5-yearprogram)
Tohelp inform fisheries management plans and priorities for fishing relatedinfrastructure
$400,000 in recreational fishing grants ($1M over the 5-year program)
Tosupport our community-based fishing clubs with local family-friendly fishingevents and bush communities to develop new business opportunities linked tofishing related tourism.
Projects already completed as part of the $50Mfunding include the upgrade of the Shady Camp boat ramp, installation of DinahBeach boat ramp CCTV cameras and toilets, Middle Arm boat ramp car park upgrade,sealing the Corroboree Billabong road, replacing the Manton Dam barramundi net,upgrading the Melville Bay boat ramp, undertaking a land-based fishing platformconsultancy and installing Dundee Beach boat ramp lighting.
As stated by Minister for Primary Industry andResources, Paul Kirby:
Investing in recreational fishing is investing injobs for Territorians. Thats why the Territory Labor Government allocated $50 million over five years for projects toimprove the industry.
Providing more recreational fishing opportunitieswill boost the sector by encouraging more locals and tourists to fish Territorywaters. All associated industries, such as boat servicing, fuel and suppliesand fishing tourism will benefit from growing the sector.
Our annual fish re-stocking program, as well asthe construction of four artificial reefs and deployment of fish aggregationdevices will continue to make the Top End a go-to destination forfishos.
