RAMPING UP PLANS TO OPEN TARAGO RESERVOIR FOR FISHING

[fishingvic]

RAMPING UP PLANS TO OPEN TARAGO RESERVOIR FOR FISHING

Thursday, 14 November 2024

The location of the new boat ramp at Tarago Reservoir has now been finalised, with a site off North Jindivick Road chosen as the Allan Labor Government opens fishing access to the West Gippsland reservoir.

Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos today announced an area on the reservoir’s western shoreline had been chosen as the best location for the new boating facility.

The $4.4 million boating project, funded by the Better Boating Fund, will enable better fishing access by building a single lane boat ramp, a carpark, amenity block and a floating pontoon to help launch and retrieve vessels.

Tarago boasts an existing population of brown trout and has the potential to be a drawcard for fishing diehards from across Victoria and interstate. Trout stocking occurred before the reservoir was closed to fishing in 1977.

Recently $8 million has been invested in Tarago Reservoir by the Labor Government to upgrade water treatment infrastructure, to ensure recreational fishing does not impact the water quality.

The ramp and carpark will be located at the end of North Jindivick Road, offering access to a suitable depth of water for launching boats while also minimising the excavation and tree clearing required. Locations off Wagner Road at Neerim South and Tarago Reservoir Park were also considered but were deemed unsuitable.

The Victorian Fisheries Authority engaged maritime engineers FSC Range to lead the analysis of locations, which was conducted in conjunction with project partners including Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action, Melbourne Water and Baw Baw Shire Council.

Concept plans for the ramp are now being drawn up, with detailed designs, planning permits, new waterway management rules and cultural heritage management plans to be completed before construction starts next spring.

The recreational fishing rules for Tarago Reservoir will also be announced ahead of its opening in late 2025.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos

“Trout fishing at Tarago has the potential to be a major tourism drawcard for the area, with those benefits flowing to local accommodation providers and lots of other small businesses in the area.”

“The North Jindivick Road boat ramp is an exciting step in this journey – it will give more boaters and fishers the chance to get out into Victoria’s great outdoors and do the activities they love with friends and family.”

Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“This project will bring exciting new fishing opportunities to West Gippsland, boosting local tourism and providing a fantastic spot for anglers to enjoy the outdoors.”

Media contact: Lloyd Skinner 0457 138 806 | lloyd.skinner@minstaff.vic.gov.au