Fisheries Minister Peter Tinley has welcomed a Recfishwest project to bring fishing opportunities to young people in the Perth metropolitan area and offer a freshwater fishing start to the school holidays.
Murray-Wellington MLA Robyn Clarke, representing the Minister, joined local students and members of the Shire of Murray council at the launch of the Fish in the 'Burbs program at Austin Lakes Estate.
Fish in the 'Burbs is the first of a number of fishing programs that will coincide with school holidays during the next two years, with 500 rainbow trout released and ready to catch across this long weekend.
Details about the Fish in the 'Burbs sessions are available at https://recfishwest.org.au
As stated by Fisheries Minister Peter Tinley:
"Fishing is a great way to get outdoors in the fresh air and sunshine and a family friendly pursuit for hundreds of thousands of Western Australians. It also helps boost our economy.
"Bringing fishing activities to the suburbs is a great way to encourage young fishers and this weekend's free sessions are the first of their kind in WA.
"There will be similar events for young fishers at various suburban locations over the next two years.
"The Recreational Fishing Initiatives Fund has allocated $146,980 to the Fish in the 'Burbs project to support the release of thousands of trout and barramundi in urban water bodies across the Perth metropolitan area."
As stated by Murray-Wellington MLA Robyn Clarke:
"This is a great opportunity for people to come visit Murray-Wellington and take advantage of a unique fishing experience.
"This event over the long weekend doesn't require any prior knowledge of fishing - just an interest in finding out what freshwater fishing is all about and how to safely cast a line to try your luck at landing a trout.
"Since 2012, close to $19 million from licence money has funded recreational fishing projects and recently the McGowan Government announced a $6 million package to support recreational fishers as part of the WA Recovery Plan to develop new fishing opportunities."
