Hopkins River floating jetty a win with anglers

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Media Release
Friday 30 May 2014 | Media contact: Gemma Gadd 0408 794 970
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Hopkins River floating jetty a win with anglers

Two months since its completion and a new floating jetty on the Hopkins River at Lyndoch has improved access for anglers, creating better fishing opportunities from the popular river bend.
Fisheries Victoria Executive Director Ross McGowan said the regular use of the jetty by both visiting and local anglers was proof the Victorian Government’s $16 million Recreational Fishing Initiative was delivering on its pledge to improve fishing opportunities.
“Improving angler access is a key component of the Recreational Fishing Initiative, which is now in its third year having delivered more than 60 projects with several more nearing completion,” Mr McGowan said.
“The Initiative has also stocked more fish, constructed fish cleaning tables, upgraded boat launching facilities, built new fishing reefs in bays and inlets, undertaken more fisheries research and strengthened fisheries enforcement and education.
“All of this is in addition to projects funded by the sale of recreational fishing licences.”
Warrnambool City Council and local contractors installed the new jetty in early April, which replaced a wooden one that had fallen into disrepair and become unsafe.
Mr McGowan said the lower sections of the Hopkins River were very popular with anglers who pursue estuarine species such as black bream, estuary perch and mulloway.
“Recreational fishing, and the businesses that service anglers, contribute significantly to regional communities, both economically and socially, which is why we have invested heavily in projects that support and grow fishing,” Mr McGowan said.
“We want to keep this state a top fishing destination for the 721,000 Victorians who fish annually and the many tourists who travel here seeking a quality fishing experience.”
For more information about the Initiative visit http://www.depi.vic.gov.au/betterfishing" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
If you have a suggestion about how Fisheries Victoria can further improve recreational fishing email your idea to improving.fishing@depi.vic.gov.au