The Allan Labor Government is making fishing even better right across Victoria with 14 fishing projects set to share in nearly $1.1 million in grants.
Acting Minister for Outdoor Recreation Ros Spence announced the latest recipients of the Recreational Fishing Large Grants Program to improve facilities, create more fish habitats and support fishing research.
The fund is backed by Victoria's anglers through the reinvestment of their fishing license fees - which means this generation of fishing fans is making sure the next generation has the same great fishing they get to experience.
In western Victoria, the Lake Marma Committee and Hindmarsh Shire Council are receiving grants of $80,000 and $60,000 respectively to build all-abilities platforms on Lake Marma in Murtoa and Rainbow Lake so that more people can get involved in the sport.
A floating pontoon will also be installed at Lake Marma to provide better access to the eastern side of the lake. Rainbow trout are stocked in the lake in the June and September school holidays, as well as golden perch fingerlings in summer, so there is year-round fishing for people to enjoy.
At Warrnambool boat ramp, a new fishing gantry will be installed by Warrnambool City Council thanks to a $74,000 grant so catches of tuna and gamefish can be weighed on the spot, fresh from the water.
Around Melbourne, Parks Victoria will improve seven fishing platforms on the Maribyrnong River thanks to a $46,400 grant and Melton City Council will use $55,000 to build lower landings on the Navan Park Lake boardwalk for easier access to the water.
Clinics for all-abilities anglers will be available thanks to a $40,000 grant for Reclink Australia who will run the clinics with Fishcare Victoria, and a trio of fishing platforms will be installed at the Dunyak Moira fishing lake at Merrigum, with Goulburn Valley Water scoring $24,200 in funding.
The grants will also fund the Native Fish Report Cards, research into estuary perch stocking, more fish habitats in the Gippsland Lakes and a trial to reduce fishing-related litter in the Sunraysia region.
An additional $300,000 will be allocated by the VFA to support a range of First Nations fishing projects over the next six months.
The 2024-25 Large Grants Program is currently open, with applications closing on February 28. For more information go to vfa.vic.gov.au/fishinggrants.
As stated by Acting Minister for Outdoor Recreation Ros Spence
"Victorians love to fish so we're making sure our local fishing hot spots meet their expectations when it comes to facilities and the fish we are stocking."
"By reinvesting the fishing license fees of our angling community, we're making sure fishing in Victoria remains the best in the country - so that future generations can experience this wholesome pastime in our great outdoors."
