Liberals hope to reel in River Murray fishers with $10.5 million promise
River Murray fishers might get a big catch if a new initiative to boost fish stocks comes in after the next state election.
A Liberal state government would spend $10.5 million helping recreational fishers get back to the River Murray if elected next March.
Recreational fishing on the River Murray would be reinvigorated with help from a $10.5 million initiative to boost fish stocks and get more people dropping a line across the state.
Liberal recreation spokesman Tim Whetstone said Go Fish SA was a timely reminder of the freshwater alternatives available.
“If you’re fishing on the River Murray in South Australia, on average it could take you 97 trips to catch a Murray cod when it would only take three in Victoria and New South Wales,” he said.
The party, currently in opposition, proposed four pillars:
- Vision: 500,000 fishers by 2030
- Hatchery: $5 million for a native fish hatchery
- Habitat: re-snagging the Murray
- Restocking: breeding Murray cod, golden perch, freshwater catfish and silver perch
Mr Whetstone said restoring fisheries was critical to both the environmental and economic future of river communities.
“We have the least productive fishery in the Murray-Darling Basin, and that has to change if we want to attract more recreational fishers," he said.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to put the ‘mighty’ back into the mighty Murray.
"Our fishing industry would be a key driver of regional tourism and community wellbeing, creating jobs and attracting investment.
“The health of our river is reflected in the health of its native fish population, which has been in decline for a long time now."
