- Published:
- Thursday 28 June 2018
The Andrews Labor Government is helping more people fish, more often with important repairs now underway at Lake Bullen Merri in Victoria’s southwest.
Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford today announced up to $15,000 through the Labor Government’s Target One Million plan to repair the storm-damaged boat ramp at Lake Bullen Merri.
The Lake Bullen Merri South Beach Foreshore Committee of Management will oversee the repairs to ensure the ramp remains safe and open for recreational anglers.
The funding is on top of $10,000 already provided for the development of a new boat launching facility to cater for growing use.
Lake Bullen Merri is one of south-west Victoria's premier crater lake fisheries, attracting thousands of anglers each year who are significant contributors to the local economy.
The crater lakes, including nearby Lake Purrumbete, are our most exciting trophy trout and Chinook salmon destinations, with anglers reporting catches weighing up to 10kg or more.
Since 2015, more than 100,000 brown trout, rainbow trout and Chinook salmon have been stocked into Lake Bullen Merri. These numbers have complemented our recent record stocking of more than six million fish to improve inland fishing.
Through the government’s Target One Million plan, a record $46 million has been injected into the sector, all geared towards growing fishing participation to a million anglers by 2020.
The Better Fishing Facilities grants program is a key component of Target One Million, which funds projects like this one to deliver clear benefits to recreational fishers.
For more information about Target One Million and the Better Fishing Facilities Grants Program, visit vfa.vic.gov.au/targetonemillion.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford
"Lake Bullen Merri is one of south-west Victoria's premier freshwater fishing lakes and is incredibly important to the local community –these crucial works will help more people fish, more often.”
“These urgent repairs are a great example of the community working together with the Victorian Fisheries Authority to achieve positive outcomes for the community, quickly."
Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney
“Lake Bullen Merri has shared in our record fish stocking and will receive more trout and Chinook salmon throughout winter and spring – and that’s great news for recreational anglers not just in our southwest, but across the state.”