New Jetty on Surry River for Southwest Anglers

09 November 2017

Original media release here.

Anglers on the Surry River can now wet a line or launch their boat more easily thanks to a new wooden jetty at Narrawong, east of Portland, funded by recreational fishing licence fees.

Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney said the new facility will help get more people fishing, more often, which is at the heart of the State Government's Target One Million plan to increase participation to one million anglers by 2020.Surry Jetty

"The all-abilities jetty is wheelchair friendly and features rod holders for those chasing the river's resident black bream with family and friends," Ms Tierney said.

The project was managed by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP).

"Complementing the new jetty, DELWP has also constructed a two metre wide wooden boardwalk over the estuary to improve pedestrian access to the opposite side of the reserve."

Ms Tierney said the jetty was a great example of a Large Grant that delivered tangible benefits for grass-roots anglers in regional Victoria.

The Large Grants program funds projects worth between $5,000 and $100,000 and opened recently on 1 October 2017.

Applications for the 2017/18 round close on 28 February 2018.

Projects are funded in four categories:

  • Fisheries sustainability and habitat improvement;
  • Fishing access and facilities;
  • Fisheries related education, information and training; and
  • Recreational fisheries research.

"Previously funded projects have 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," Ms Tierney said.

The Program is open to fishing clubs, community groups, incorporated bodies, and government and statutory bodies.

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