- Minister for Fishing and Boating
Freshwater fishers with kayaks, canoes and boats with electric motors will have more opportunity to get out on the water, with access to Tullaroop Reservoir now open thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Fishing and Boating Jaala Pulford said expanding on-water access for recreational boaters delivered on a key commitment of the Labor Government's $34 million Target One Million plan to get more people fishing, more often.
From today, kayakers, canoeists and fishers with electric motorised boats can now get out on the water at Tullaroop Reservoir to catch freshwater fish or just enjoy the day.
New on-water access at Tullaroop Reservoir follows in the footsteps of Barkers Creek Reservoir near Harcourt, which was opened to kayaks and canoes in April.
A new boat ramp, extended car parking and new fishing and water safety signage has been installed at Tullaroop by Goulburn Murray Water, thanks to an $80,300 grant.
Better boating access to Tullaroop Reservoir will help recreational fishers make the most of the waterway's stocked fish population, which has provided excellent fishing in recent times.
In the last four years, close to 180,000 brown trout and rainbow trout, grown at Fisheries' Snobs Creek hatchery, have been stocked into the reservoir, complementing the redfin population that breeds naturally.
In March, Tullaroop Reservoir was also stocked with 100,000 golden perch fingerlings for the first time to create a mixed fishery in the years ahead.
Trout fishing will continue to be great in the cooler months and wetting a line for golden perch will be better in summer.
Other reservoirs soon to be opened for better on-water access include Lauriston, Malmsbury, Hepburn, and the Upper Coliban.
As stated by Minister for Fishing and Boating and Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford
"We promised to open up access to reservoirs for boating anglers and kayakers, and that's exactly what we're doing."
"On-water access will mean more people can wet a line and take advantage of our record Victorian fish stocking that's gone from strength to strength."
As noted by Minister for Water Lisa Neville
"Creating a sustainable fishery with more people out on the water will mean a boost for the regional economy. These projects are about finding the right balance between using our water resources to benefit locals, while maintaining water quality."
