Guy Barnett,Minister for Primary Industries and Water
The countdown to the World Fly Fishing Championship continues with today’s announcement of the competition’s wild card entry in Launceston.
The Championship, which starts later this month, allows the Host Country to grant a participation “Wild Card” to a non-Member Country.
Selected by Fly Fish Australia, Kiribati, a saltwater fishing nation from the Pacific region, was chosen to attend and I welcome the team to our State and wish it all the best for the upcoming Championship. It is fantastic that Kiribati will be part of the championships.
It was also my pleasure to present certificates of appreciation to some of the army of volunteers who are working behind the scenes to make the event a success.
Without the many unpaid hours contributed by volunteers, many of the events and services would simply not be available.
The Championship has attracted teams from 23 countries, bringing an estimated 1000 anglers, support crew and visitors to the state.
The Tasmanian Liberal Government has provided $100,000 to support the event, along with assistance from the Inland Fisheries Services, Events and Tourism Tasmania. We have also delivered $300,000 to build and upgrade community amenities at popular fishing locations around the state.
I warmly welcome all competitors and supporters to Tasmania for the World Fly Fishing Championships.
