- Published:
- Wednesday 4 October 2017
Saltwater anglers can now return home with fresh fish fillets ready for the table thanks to two new fish cleaning tables at the Warneet boat ramp on Western Port.
The tables were funded by the Andrews Labor Government’s Recreational Fishing Grants Program, which invests revenue from the sale of fishing licences into worthwhile projects.
The Warneet Fishing Club managed the installation of the new cleaning tables, which will be widely used this summer by anglers preparing locally caught species such as King George whiting, gummy sharks, snapper, flathead and calamari.
The stainless steel tables feature running water, roofs to provide shade, bins for large fish frames and wooden cutting blocks to avoid blunting sharp fish cleaning knives.
The 2017/18 round of the Recreational Fishing Grants Program opened this week for Large Grant projects, like these fish cleaning tables, worth between $5,000 and $100,000.
Eligible organisations are encouraged to apply with project ideas that will really make a difference to grass roots anglers regardless of whether they cast a fly, fish the surf or dive off the coast.
Large grants are available in four categories:
- Fisheries sustainability and habitat improvement
- Fishing access and facilities
- Fisheries related education, information and training; and
- Recreational fisheries research.
Projects funded previously included fish cleaning tables, signage, stiles over fences to improve access along riverbanks, fishing platforms and jetties and re-snagging to improve fish habitat in rivers and lakes.
The Program is open to fishing clubs, community groups, incorporated bodies and government and statutory bodies until 28 February 2018. Small grants of up to $5,000 are available year round. For more information, or to apply online, visit www.vfa.vic.gov.au/fishinggrants
Quotes attributable to Acting Minister for Agriculture Jacinta Allan
“This investment is all about getting more people fishing more often and increasing participation to one million anglers by 2020.”
Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Daniel Mulino
“The Warneet Fishing Club are to be congratulated for delivering these tables, which will benefit their members and the thousands of keen anglers launching from Warneet every year.”
“The right projects in the right places will get more people fishing across the state, which is good for local businesses and good for local jobs.”