Recreational boaters and anglers can look forward to better access and more fish to catch at Rocklands Reservoir, thanks to support from the Allan Labor Government.
Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos today visited the Hynes Reserve boat ramp to stock Murray cod and see boats returning from the water after a busy Easter long weekend.
Access to Rocklands has never been more important, as it continues to grow as a popular destination for catching stocked Murray cod and golden perch. In 2022, Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water received funding from the Better Boating Fund to build a concrete ramp at Hynes Reserve.
After works were paused due to high water levels, the final section will be poured in the coming weeks-making it easier for more boaters, including those with two-wheel-drive vehicles, to get out on the water.
The Better Boating Fund reinvests all revenue from recreational boating licences and registration fees back into upgrades and programs that benefit boaters. Since 2021, Over $100 million has been invested into more than 50 ramp upgrades across Victoria, including at Rocklands, Toolondo Reservoir, Lake Lonsdale, and Taylors Lake.
Rocklands Reservoir has seen a major boost in outdoor recreation, with its annual economic contribution growing by 164 per cent over the past five years to $5.5 million, and visitation up 50 per cent to more than 25,000 people.
Fishing is a major drawcard, with regular catches of golden perch to 50cm, Murray cod to 85cm and more, as well as redfin and trout. Visitors travel from far and wide - 49 per cent from other regional areas, 17 per cent from Melbourne, and nearly seven per cent from South Australia.
In the last eight years, more than 5 million Murray cod and golden perch have been released into Rocklands, making it one of the most heavily stocked waterways in Australia and giving families even more reasons to visit. The Labor Government has stocked 9 million fish across the state this financial year, enroute to 10 million by July 2025.
The Labor Government is helping towns across the Grampians to bring more visitors to the region. This includes supporting small businesses and communities affected by the bushfires in Western Victoria with more than $29 million in assistance to support immediate and long-term recovery.
As stated by Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos
"We know Victorians cherish time spent on the water with loved ones, which is why we continue to invest in better boating facilities including ramps."
"Rocklands is amongst Australia's most heavily stocked lakes and is rapidly gaining a reputation for fantastic freshwater fishing for iconic native species like Murray cod and golden perch."
As stated by Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora
"The combination of better boating facilities and fish stocking is putting Rocklands Reservoir on the map-supporting local jobs, attracting more visitors, and making it easier than ever for families to enjoy boating and fishing in our region."
As stated by Victorian Fisheries Authority CEO Travis Dowling
"Rocklands Reservoir is now the jewel in the crown of native fishing in Victoria."
"Since 2018 we have stocked over 4 million Murray cod and golden perch - this has led to a tourism boom with massive benefits for local towns and the community."
