More local fishing and boating forums this winter

19 July 2022

The Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) has confirmed details for four fishing and boating forums in July and August at Portland, Mitcham, Port Albert and Wodonga.

The free forums are an opportunity for recreational fishers and boaters to come together, learn more about what is being done to improve their much-loved pastimes, and share ideas on what could make them even better.

VFA CEO Travis Dowling said forums at Albert Park, Ballarat, Torquay, Nagambie and St Leonards had been a great success in recent months and staff from Fisheries and Better Boating Victoria (BBV) were looking forward to the next four.

“We are excited to continue these forums at local clubs, to catch up with fishers and boaters and discuss ways we can improve their experience on the water,” Mr Dowling said.

“Our team has been busy delivering the State Government’s $35 million Go Fishing Victoria plan, which has removed commercial net fishing from Port Phillip Bay and the Gippsland Lakes, made launching a boat and parking your trailer free, and stocked a record 10 million fish last season, more than any other state in Australia.

“We’re continuing to put fishing licence fees to work on worthwhile projects and BBV is ensuring licence and registration fees are reinvested through the $33m Better Boating Fund while overseeing the biggest boat ramp construction program in the state’s history.

“Each forum will feature hour-long presentations covering these topics and more including better access, ramp upgrades, fish cleaning tables, science and research, enforcement, education and more.

“With subject matter experts there, attendees will get answers to all those questions that are debated with mates while in the boat or by a river somewhere. These forums are a great opportunity to suggest a project that will make a difference to your local water.”

The forums are scheduled for:

• Portland, Thursday 28 July, 7.30pm, Portland Sport Fishing Club, Lee Breakwater Rd
• Mitcham, Tuesday 2 August, 7pm, Mitcham Angling Club, 11 Brunswick Rd, Mitcham
• Port Albert, Thursday 4 August, 7pm, Port Albert Fishing Club, Port Albert Hall, Mechanics Institute, Victoria St.
• Wodonga, Thursday 25 August, 7pm, North East Angling Association, The Quest, Conference Room, 46 Reid St.

To reserve a seat or find out more, visit www.vfa.vic.gov.au/localforums

Media contact: Amelia Elliston 0437 801 068