Water Minister Peter Walsh said anglers fishing for Murray cod from today’s season opening could look forward to improved access and more native fish stocking thanks to a $1.35 million boost from the Victorian Coalition Government.
Mr Walsh and Member for Rodney Paul Weller opened the season today by casting a line at Kow Swamp.
“We are spending $16.2 million over the next four years to improve recreational fishing opportunities in addition to revenue funded from the sale of fishing licences,” Mr Walsh said.
“The three-year Building Northern Native Fisheries will focus on sections of the Campaspe and Loddon rivers, Gunbower Creek and Kow Swamp.
“Seven new boat launching ramps are planned with two each on Elmore Weir, Gunbower Creek and the Loddon River and one at Kow Swamp.
“Two existing boat ramps have upgrades planned on Gunbower Creek (National Weir Road) and Kow Swamp (Box Bridge).”
Mr Walsh said better access for shore based anglers was also planned for the Barnidown Pool and Axe Creek junction on the Campaspe, and a fishing platform at Kow Swamp (Box Creek).
“With better access for anglers, Fisheries Victoria will boost existing fish populations in these waters by releasing more than a million additional Murray cod and golden perch fingerlings over three years,” Mr Walsh said.
“The million native fish will comprise 360,000 golden perch and 645,000 Murray cod. Kow Swamp will receive the lion’s share of the Murray cod with 100,000 fingerlings for each of three years.”
Improved sites at all four waters will be promoted to increase angler visitation and the associated regional economic benefits will be measured.
Anglers chasing Murray cod this season are reminded there is a minimum legal length of 60cm and a maximum length of 100cm. The daily bag limit is two Murray cod per person.
For more information refer to the Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide which is available free from most good fishing tackle shops, DPI Offices or by ringing 136 186.
Angler access projects proposed for Campaspe, Loddon and Gunbower systems.
Boat access:
Campaspe River:
Elmore Weir: Install boat ramp, signage and car park at Burnewang St - $30,000
Speers Road: Boat ramp, signage and car park - $40,000
Gunbower Creek
Spencers Bridge: Boat access, signage and car park downstream of bridge - $30,000
Koondrook Track: Boat access and signage - $30,000
National Weir Road: Upgrade boat ramp - $30,000
Kow Swamp
Box Bridge: Upgrade boat ramp, signage and car park -$50,000
Apex Park: Install ramp, buoyed navigation channel and possible platform - $200,000
Loddon River
Serpentine Weir: Boat ramp, signage and car park - $50,000
Fernihurst: Boat ramp signage and car park - $50,000
Land access:
Campaspe River
Bardidown Pool: Improve access (subject to tenure) - $20,000
Axe Creek Junction: Improve access (subject to tenure) - $20,000
Kow Swamp
Box Creek: Install fishing platform - $50,000
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