Ramp fast-track plan puts smiles on fishos’ dials
TERRITORY fishos will soon spend more time chasing barra and less time launching their boats when a new boat ramp is complete at Shady Camp.
Primary Industries Minister Ken Vowles will today announce $6 million of fishing infrastructure projects will be fast-tracked, including the Shady Camp ramp and a car park at Dundee Beach.
“Fishing is a huge part of what makes the Territory a great place to live and visit – it’s a big part of what attracts people here and what keeps them here,” he said.
Amateur Fishermen’s Association NT chief executive David Ciaravolo said while fishers would welcome the fast-tracked projects, work to fix the new Dundee Beach ramp should also be a priority.
The new $4.4 million ramp opened in December, but concerns over its capability have already been raised. A number of cars have become bogged due to sand build-up.
“People are having a lot of trouble there when the swell is high and there’s a lot of sand on the ramp,” Mr Ciaravolo said.
Labor pledged at last year’s election to spend $50 million over five years on recreational fishing infrastructure.
Mr Ciaravolo said he hoped the investment would open up some new areas for fishing.
“We’re hoping to be able to establish some new access points at Point Stuart. We understand the complexity there, but we really hope with the scale of opportunity, we can take advantage of that,” he said.
Mr Vowles said the projects chosen to be fast-tracked were identified as priorities.
He said they would make a “big difference” to NT anglers.
“This investment in infrastructure development will also create indirect jobs for fishing tour operators, fishing tackle shops, boat sales and servicing and the tourism, hospitality and retail sectors that cater to tourists and locals alike,” he said.
“This $6 million spending is part of the Government’s $120 million of fast-tracked infrastructure projects to stimulate the Territory economy.”