Local Victoria groups grab grants thanks to fishing licence fees

Fisherman Ben Glass holding mahi mahi caught at Sunshine Coast FAD © Creek to Coast

Improved access and facilities are on their way to some of Victoria's most popular and emerging fishing areas, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government's Recreational Fishing Grants Program.

Minister for Outdoor Recreation Sonya Kilkenny today joined Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale in Corinella to announce four volunteer-run regional angling clubs and community organisations from around the state have received around $175,000 between them to improve fishing opportunities.

The clubs and community groups each applied for the funding which is available to fishing clubs and associations to improve facilities, provide more fish habitat or boost access to a favourite hotspot.

On the Bass Coast at Corinella, fishing will be easier and safer courtesy of a grant worth almost $19,800 to complete stairs to a popular rock platform at Settlement Point. The Corinella Foreshore Committee of Management applied for the grant having received $71,400 in 2018 to get construction started.

Ouyen Anglers and Ouyen Incorporated will receive $50,000 to extend a floating pontoon jetty across Ouyen Lake, which will double as a fishing platform and walkway. The lake is one of the Mallee's newest fishing spots and has proved a hit with families wanting to wet a line and cool off.

The Nhill Lake Reserve Committee of Management has landed a grant worth $50,000 to secure a year-round supply of water. The lake is stocked annually with catchable-size rainbow trout during September school holidays to provide family fun.

Access to Lake Purrumbete, one of south-west Victoria's most prized freshwater fisheries, will be improved through $50,000 to formalise parking and install signage, fencing and an access gate off Purrumbete Pit Road.

The Lake Purrumbete Angling Club will lead the project to create a safe access point for land-based anglers, as well as an alternative to the main access point through the local caravan park on the opposite side of the lake.

The program enables fishing clubs and community groups to apply for grants between $5,000 and $50,000. For more information go to vfa.vic.gov.au/fishinggrants.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Outdoor Recreation Sonya Kilkenny

"All licenced fishers in Victoria are helping ensure we have fabulous fisheries for years to come with their fees being used to improve facilities and stock record numbers of fish."

"These grants means local fishing clubs can use this funding to harness years of shared experience and passion to make fishing even better for their members and visitors."

Quote attributable to Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale

"We welcome better access to our popular fishing spot at Corinella's Settlement Point thanks to the wonderful work of the foreshore committee. Hopefully it means more rewarding catches for our anglers too."