New stocks of chinook, rainbow trout and brown trout are being released into local lakes and waterways as part of the Victorian Government’s plan to encourage more people to take up fishing.
Ms Tierney said dozens of lakes around the district have already benefited from the Government’s fish re-stocking program.
Fisheries Victoria has commenced the release of thousands of fish into local lakes and waterways including;
- Wurdiboluc Reservoir, Winchelsea – 6,000 brown trout and 6,000 rainbow trout
- Cartcarrong Lake Warrnambmool – 2,000 brown trout and 2,000 rainbow trout
- Gillear Lake, Warrnambool – 1,000 brown trout and 1,000 rainbow trout
- Merri River Grassmere to Dennington – 8,000 brown trout
- Tea Tree Lake, Mortlake – 300 rainbow trout
- Pertobe Lake, Warrnambool – 200 rainbow trout
- Cobden Lake – 200 rainbow trout
- Simpson Recreation Reserve Lake 200 rainbow trout
- Lake Bullen Merri, Camperdown – 5,000 brown trout
- Lake Purrumbete, Camperdown – 14,000 brown trout and 8,000 chinook
- Aringa Reservoir, Port Fairy – 500 brown trout and 1,000 rainbow trout
- Moyne River, Killarney – 2,000 brown trout
Ms Tierney said the fish restocking program was part of the Government’s strategy to get more people to visit regional Victoria.
“Increased fish stocks are a key part of the Andrews Labor Government’s Target One Million plan for recreational fishing, which aims to grow participation to one million anglers by 2020,” she said.
“Improving fishing opportunities in places like Warrnambool, Camperdown and Winchelsea is a great way to attract fishing enthusiasts and grow participation in regional communities,” Ms Tierney said.
“Fishing is a great past time that gets people outdoors and socialising with family and friends. It also helps boost the local economy through the purchase of bait, tackle, food, fuel and accommodation,” she said.
“Our Target One Million plan for recreational fishing has also helped fishing clubs attract new members and improve facilities, established a marine stocking program with estuary perch and mulloway, and is ending commercial net fishing in Port Phillip Bay,” she said.
“We want more families enjoying the great outdoors together and being active, which is why we are improving fishing opportunities through the Andrews Labor Government’s Target One Million plan.” Ms Tierney said.