Fishing returns to Dartmouth Pondage
by Jessica Evans 5 May 2018 15:06 PDT
Fishing returns to Dartmouth Pondage © Jessica Evans
A section of the Dartmouth Pondage in northeast Victoria has re-opened to fishing for the first time since 2013.
The new arrangements will be officially launched at Dartmouth today and, in a boost for local and visiting anglers, the Pondage has been stocked with 20,000 trout to accelerate the fishery's development.
When open to fishing previously, the pondage was known to grow trophy trout to three kilograms and often boasted the winning fish in local angling competitions.
The re-opening project was funded by the Andrews Labor Government's Target One Million plan, which is investing a record $46 million to get more people fishing, more often.
The Labor Government's state-wide water plan – Water for Victoria – acknowledges the recreational values of our water resources and the need to consider these in how we manage water.
The Labor Government has also introduced legislation to ensure water corporations and other water resource managers take into account the recreational values of our water assets.
In line with this, Goulburn Murray Water has worked with the Victorian Fisheries Authority to re-open Dartmouth Pondage. This follows Gippsland Water and Fisheries working together to open access for barramundi fishing at Hazelwood Pondage.
The Labor Government has also set a new fish stocking record of more than six million through Target One Million, saved Lake Toolondo's iconic trout fishery, removed boating restrictions at Blue Rock Lake so anglers can better access the stocked bass, and now re-opened a section of the Dartmouth Pondage.
Victoria's water storages, lakes, wetlands, rivers and streams provide bountiful fishing opportunities as well as flow on economic benefits for tourism and local economies. The Labor Government is investing $222 million over four years to improve the health of our waterways and catchments, including restoring fish habitat.
Minister for Water Lisa Neville:
"We're ensuring water corporations where possible and practicable, use our storages to provide recreational opportunities for locals and visitors – like great fishing at Dartmouth Pondage."
Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford:
"More people fishing, more often is exactly what our government is about. This is fantastic news for keen anglers and for all who are keen to cast a line."
Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes:
"This will create some exciting new fishing opportunities and encourage recreational fishers to visit the wonderful and remote part of our state which has so much to offer."