As South Australians look forward to summer holidays filled with boating, camping and fishing the Morrison Coalition Government and Marshall Liberal Government have announced more than a dozen projects to encourage South Australians to get out and enjoy the natural environment and boost regional economies.
Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries Jonno Duniam said about $1.7 million would go to South Australian projects from the Australian Government's $20 million Recreational Fishing and Camping Facilities Program.
"We know just how much Australians love exploring the great outdoors and many will be taking the tinnie out on the water, pitching a tent or casting a line these summer holidays," Assistant Minister Duniam said.
"This is an exciting funding program enabling South Australian councils to improve, maintain or build new boating, marine rescue, fishing and camping facilities.
"Grants range from about $30,000 to $200,000, with the overall value of these projects estimated to be in excess of $2.5 million."
South Australian Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham said the new projects are spread across the state, boosting growth in the regions and providing tangible support for the estimated 277,000 South Australians who fish recreationally.
"These 15 approved fishing, camping and boating projects are spread across our state from Kangaroo Island to Beachport, Fishery Bay to Bordertown," Minister Basham said.
"The projects range from installing new jetties to building or upgrading toilet blocks – all of which are important facilities to attract and support recreational fishing, boating and camping in our regions.
"At a time when South Australians are turning their minds to their summer holidays, I'm pleased to announce these projects which demonstrates the Morrison Coalition Government and Marshall Liberal Government's vital support of our recreational fishers and regional communities.
"We know when people fish there are significant economic benefits because people often stay in regional communities, visit the local tackle shop and eat at restaurants, which all support local jobs.
"Improving these facilities provides both locals and visitors with better opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors and the diversity of landscapes across our state."
Approved Projects are:
Barunga West Council - Port Broughton ($200,000 towards a $275,000 project)
The project involves buying and installing a new pontoon-based jetty at Port Broughton to support recreational fishing and improve access for anglers. The new jetty will extend the existing T-piece by approximately 50 metres for recreational fishing and will also give a greater tie-off area for recreational fishing and sailing boats.
Coorong District Council – Meningie ($67,500 towards a $92,500 project)
Meningie Boat Ramp Jetty upgrade improving accessibility and safety for recreational fishing and boating access. The Meningie Boat Ramp Jetty is valued local infrastructure used by tourists and locals as a fishing platform, and support structure for vessels launched from the Meningie Boat Ramp. This project will include a new jetty platform accessed by walking from the boat ramp on to the new deck via a ramp which will make it easier for loading, both people and gear, on to a wide range of watercraft with fishing and other recreational uses.
District Council of Lower Eyre Peninsula – Fishery Bay ($135,544 towards a $169,430 project)
This project will delineate three camp sites, provide pedestrian access to the beach, upgrade existing vehicle access to minimise coastal erosion, undertake revegetation, create a car park, install bins, fire pits and signage. By defining the campsites, access can be controlled and usage defined.
City of Victor Harbor – Encounter Bay channel ($200,000 towards a $350,000 project)
Construction and installation of 12 new channel markers and bases for the Encounter Bay channel providing safe access from the Bluff Boat Ramp to the Southern Ocean. The new channel markers will be more structurally robust to reduce the risk of ongoing damage and tipping during large swell and storm events. The markers will increase safety and improve the experience for all users of the Encounter Bay channel, including recreational fishers, boaties, tourist charters and Emergency Services.
District Council of Loxton Waikerie – Loxton ($157,000 towards a $202,000 project)
The Loxton Boat Ramp and Pontoon upgrade project will improve safety and accessibility to the
Murray River and increase participation in recreational fishing, boating and camping.
District Council of Yankalilla – Cape Jervis ($140,000 towards a $218,935 project)
Cape Jervis boat ramp, used by commercial and recreational fishers, has deteriorated and is now considered to be unsafe and not fit for purpose. The grant is to help fund a 2m wide floating pontoon to the centre of the boat ramp leaving a 4m wide ramp lane on either side, making the boat ramp safter and improving boat traffic flow.
Port Pirie Regional Council – Solomontown ($100,000 towards a $165,000 project)
The Port Pirie Regional Council will continue improve works to the boat launching facilities at
Solomontown. Council has plans to re-organise the car park and rigging area to improve the safety and access for users of the boat ramp. It is proposed to improve the rigging and de-rigging lanes, as well as the boat wash down area.
Wattle Range Council – Beachport ($87,000 towards a $140,250 project)
Replacement of two of the three pontoons at Beachport Boat Ramp including installation of handrails (One is newly installed as part of the 2015 upgrade). The two existing pontoons have been repaired multiple times and are now at end of life requiring replacement. The handrail is an added safety feature due to the slope, particularly at low tide.
City of Victor Harbor – The Bluff ($70,211 towards a $160,422 project)
The project will deliver new infrastructure in the construction of a toilet facility at the Bluff Boat Ramp, Encounter Bay in regional SA. The new facility will improve recreational fishing and boating experience by providing two unisex cubicles (ambulant and access compliant).
Renmark Paringa Council –Murtho ($75,000 towards a $80,000 project)
Provision of a toilet block at Murtho which is a popular spot for recreational fishing and (free) camping and has a boat ramp. Currently, there are no toilet facilities.
Yorke Peninsula Council – Point Turton ($29,770 towards a $33,270 project)
The Point Turton Groyne Access Upgrade project will see improvements made to the breakwater of the boat ramp, to increase accessibility for land-based fishing. The works will consist of repairs to the washed out sections of the breakwater, to then allow for levelling and concreting of the capping to form a user-friendly pathway.
Yorke Peninsula Council – Various locations including Sturt Bay ($139,987.44 towards $269,987 worth of projects)
This project is to provide sufficient facilities to ensure that visitors and the environment are
not impacted from unmanaged human waste and therefore, improve the experience when camping
for fishing.
Barunga West Council – Port Broughton ($200,000 towards a $260,469 project)
The project involves installing a permanent public amenities block at the Port Broughton boat ramp to support recreational fishing and improve the user experience for anglers visiting Port Broughton.
Kangaroo Island Council – Emu Bay ($70,000 towards a $80,000 project)
The camp grounds that support this recreational fishing destination do not have toilet facilities on site which is a deterrent for families and people wanting to camp overnight. The current single toilet is some 160 meters away. It is proposed that a new toilet be installed at the campground.
Tatiara District Council – Bordertown Lake ($38,400 towards a $48,626 project)
This project will see the replacement of 30+ year old toilet block at new RV camping facilities and the installation of two picnic tables.
