Congestion at city boat ramps and investment in boating facilities in rural and regional Victoria will be on the agenda at a meeting with key fishing stakeholders this week.
Victorian Liberal Nationals MPs will engage with peak recreational fishing body VRFish on key opportunities and challenges for the sector at the meeting on Mornington Peninsula.
The Liberal Nationals are currently seeking ideas and feedback on boosting opportunities for recreational fishing and to secure the future sustainability of Victorian fisheries.
Congestion at city boat ramps has increased after the Andrews Labor Government removed boat ramp launching and parking fees without a plan to manage an expected influx of visitors.
Ways to ease this congestion, while keeping the free launching and parking arrangements in place, will be considered, as will projects to invest in new and upgraded boating infrastructure in rural and regional Victoria.
While the Andrews Labor Government is only interested in city-based facilities, the Liberal Nationals will ensure all of Victoria gets their fair share of new and improved infrastructure, including boat ramps and jetties and fish cleaning facilities.
Comment attributable to Leader of The Nationals, Peter Walsh:
“Our rivers and lakes are full of opportunities to get out and wet a line, but there’s always more that can be done to boost opportunities to get more Victorian families out for a day on the water.
“Although I’ve never been lucky enough to land the elusive metre-Murray cod, by supporting a healthy, sustainable fishery we’ll ensure our children and our children’s children will be able to try their luck.”
Comment attributable to Shadow Minister for Fishing and Boating, David Morris:
“Port Philip is a recreational fishing mecca and along with Western Port offers crucial opportunities for the sector.
“But the Andrews Labor Government has abandoned Victoria’s hundreds of thousands of recreational fishers and boaters.”
Comment attributable to VRFish Chief Executive Officer, Mike Burgess:
“Fishing is more than a hobby for Victorians – it’s a way of life. We’re looking forward to continuing to work collaboratively on behalf of Victoria’s 838,000 recreational fishers to secure sustainable fisheries and ensure future opportunities to cast a line.”
