Better access to river

A picturesque stretch of the Wimmera River near Horsham will soon be more accessible for people keen to make the most of the river’s attractions.

An improved all-weather track and boat launch area will provide anglers, canoeists and walkers with easier access to the stretch of river known by many as ‘The Big Water’.

The Big Water is four kilometres of river frontage on the Horsham-lubeck Road, about 12 kilometres from the heart of Horsham.

It has long been a favourite destination for anglers pursuing yellowbelly, redfin and catfish but has limited access during dry months. An existing river track also presents a summer fire risk.

Wimmera Catchment Management Authority is working with Horsham Rural City Council.

Horsham Angling Club members have cleared old fences and rubbish in readiness for the upgrade.

Angling club member Neil Delaney welcomed the project.

“This is a great fishing spot. It will improve the area and encourage people to come out here and fish and picnic as well,” he said.

The project follows research into the shared benefits of providing environmental water to the Wimmera River system.

Research has shown that the river contributed $4.75-million to the economy last year, including $2.5-million in physical and mentalhealth benefits.

The Wimmera Southern Mallee Socio-economic Value Recreational and Environmental Water study also showed that fishing was the most popular activity people enjoyed along the river.

• The Victorian Government’s Angler Riparian Partnerships Program and Our Catchments Our Communities Program have provided money for the project. Both programs support anglers and community involvement to improve the health of priority waterways.