Dan won’t be baited on state fishing ban

PREMIER Daniel Andrews has defended Victoria’s tough ban on recreational activities, saying the extreme measure will save lives. His comments came as popular outdoor spots, including the You Yangs, were closed yesterday.

Under the state’s tough new stay-at-home rules, introduced this week, activities including fishing, hunting, boating, camping and golf have all been banned.

As well as the bans, national parks and iconic sites including the Twelve Apostles Visitor

Centre and lookouts and the 1000 steps in the Dandenong Ranges have all closed.

The tough restrictions have outraged some Victorians who have questioned why the government has taken such severe measures compared with other states.

Mr Andrews yesterday made no apologies for the government’s position, which allows only “basic exercise” and said each state and territory acted on specific advice.

“I believe we’ve got our policy setting right, they’re based on advice,” he said.

“On fishing for instance, golf, no recreational fishing trip, no trip to the golf course, is worth someone’s life. And I know it’s frustrating, and I know I’m asking a lot of you, not to go and do the things that you love doing.

“But there are people you love as well, there are so many in the community who will be at risk if we keep going on as usual, if we pretend that this isn’t real.”

Mr Andrews said Victoria faced unique challenges compared with other states and territories that meant the tough bans were appropriate.

Retired nurse and keen fisher Fiona Dickson said recreational activities were vital for mental wellbeing.

“Surely Victorians can manage social distancing while fishing along our vast coastline,” she said.

“I don’t understand why our government has so little faith in us, the people, and so little regard for our mental wellbeing.

“Here’s hoping we can all care for every aspect of our health,” she said.

Yesterday Parks Victoria announced it was closing Werribee Gorge State Park, You Yangs Regional Park, Yan Yean Reservoir Park, Sugarloaf Reservoir Park and the Redwood Forest visitor centre in the Yarra Ranges.

The Murray River, which winds its way between Victoria and NSW presents an interesting dilemma. People can cast their lines or tee off their golf ball in Albury and Echuca but not Wodonga and Moama.

Wodonga Golf Club professional Gavin Vearing said he could understand why Victoria had taken a hardline stance but said the rules should apply nationwide.

“I respect the decision the Victorian government is making because you see what is happening, it’s horrific and we don’t want to see that in Australia,’’ he said.

“But it’s pretty frustrating when 10km over the border there are different rules that allow golfers to play.”