$10 MILLION CASH SPLASH FOR TERRITORY FISHOS

FOUR new artificial reefs will be built in the coming financial year to ensure Territory fish stocks remain bountiful.

Close to $10 million will be allocated towards recreational fishing projects in the May Budget.

That includes $2 million for artificial reefs and fish aggregation devices.

They will help to create new fishing hot spots and keep populations sustainable.

Another $300,000 will be spent keeping Darwin and Palmerston dams stocked with fish, which will improve access for land based fishos and young anglers.

Other investments include $650,000 for a recreational fishing survey and $400,000 in recreational fishing grants to community based fishing clubs and to bush communities that want to develop new fishing-related business opFISHERIES MINISTER PAUL KIRBY portunities. It is a continuation of Labor’s pledge to funnel $50 million into recreational fishing across five years.

Fisheries Minister Paul Kirby said a strong recreational fishing industry meant jobs for Territorians.

“Providing more recreational fishing opportunities will boost the sector by encouraging more locals and tourists to fish Territory waters,” Mr Kirby said.

“All associated industries, such as boat servicing, fuel and supplies and fishing tourism will benefit from growing the sector.

“Our annual fish restocking program, as well as the construction of four artificial reefs and deployment of fish aggregation devices will continue to make the Top End a go-to destination for fishos.”

Projects already completed as part of the $50 million fishing package include upgrades to Shady Camp, Dundee Beach and Melville Bay boat ramps, installation of Dinah Beach boat ramp CCTV cameras and toilets, Middle Arm boat ramp car park upgrade, sealing of the Corroboree Billabong road and replacement of the Manton Dam barra net.

“More recreational fishing opportunities will boost the sector”