Recreational fishers and other users are set to benefit from a long-awaited upgrade to the infrastructure at Lake Burrendong.
Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders has today announced $170,000 from the Recreational Fishing Trusts for Reflections Holiday Parks to upgrade the Lake Burrendong boat ramp.
“Recreational fishing plays a huge role in our region and across NSW, injecting $3.4 billion into the state every year,” Mr Saunders said.
“The Lake Burrendong concrete boat ramp is used by thousands of recreational fishers every year, but it’s narrow, aged and in desperate need of an upgrade.
“This funding will be used to widen the existing ramp, making it more user-friendly and, most importantly, safer.”
Matt Hansen helped establish the Lake Burrendong Easter Fishing Classic – which draws thousands of fishers to the region every year – more than a decade ago.
He thanked the NSW Government for the funding, labelling it a “massive” win for all lake users.
“It’s a fantastic recreation waterway and expanding the boat ramp is going to make it much easier for people to launch their boat, particularly around busy times like Christmas, Australia Day and the Easter Classic,” Mr Hansen said.
Applications are now open for the next round of Recreational Fishing Trust grants, and Mr Saunders has urged fishing clubs and organisations, universities, councils, community groups and individuals to come forward with their ideas.
“Recreational fishing plays such an important role in our economy, so it’s important to invest in projects that will support the industry for years to come,” Mr Saunders said.
“If you’ve got an idea that will support fish habitats and recreational fishing, then I encourage you to get your application in.”
Applications close at 5pm, 29 June 2022. Funding guidelines and application forms are available at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au. Grant ideas can also be discussed by contacting DPI Fisheries by emailing recreational.fishingtrust@dpi.nsw.gov.au.