A large part of the Mallacoota community gathered at the foreshore to celebrate a fishing club grant aimed at boosting recreational fishing in the area that was awarded to the Mallacoota and District Angling Club on Thursday, November 17.
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Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews presented an oversized cheque to Mallacoota and District Angling Club vice president Ian Green as part of the Stronger Fishing Clubs Grant Program.
The cheque, valued at $1995 was donated to the club along with an extra $5 that Mr Andrews rustled up from his pocket to make a round total of $2000.
The club will use the grant to trial an innovative safe-release cage for estuarine fish caught during ‘catch and release’ tournaments.
Mr Andrews said the Labour Government is helping Victorian angling clubs improve their facilities, raise their profile and attract new members as part of its Target One Million plan for recreational fishing – aiming to get more people fishing, more often, and grow participation to one million by 2020.
Mallacoota is one of Victorian’s most popular venues for fishing tournaments, attracting people from across Australia, boosting local tourism and the economy.
“Clubs are often the first port of call for people new to fishing, so we want to support them in helping to grow participation and get more people fishing,” Mr Andrews said.
“This is about putting people first by supporting local communities like Mallacoota – where recreational fishing plays such an important role in creating jobs, boosting tourism and getting people outdoors.
“This cheque shows that we value what you do for the local community and those who visit this beautiful part of our state. The Mallacoota and District Angling Club should be very proud of all that you’ve achieved.”
It’s hoped the club’s safe-release cage will improve the survival of tournament caught fish and in turn entice new members who favour responsible fishing.
A unique design aspect of the cage will enable species like bream to avoid bird predation from above, before exiting the cage from the bottom where deeper water will provide more cover.
Mr Green said the design is about promoting sustainable fishing in Mallacoota.
“Without the fish, we haven’t got fishing,” he said.
Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing also spent the morning meeting with Mallacoota locals before the cheque was presented.
“This is great news for the Mallacoota and District Angling Club who are working hard getting more people involved in fishing and enjoying the great outdoors,” Ms Shing said.
