MPs go back to schools

By Dion Teasdale
LILLYDALE Lake is one of five bodies of water that will be developed and stocked regularly with large ‘ready to catch’ fish to encourage families and new anglers to go fishing.
Evelyn MP Heather McTaggart, and the Fisheries Minister, Bob Cameron, made the announcement while attending a fish stocking at the lake last week.
Ms McTaggart said the lake, which is already part of the Family Fishing Lakes school holiday stocking program, would be further developed as a premier fishing site with more regular stockings.
“All the premier sites will also have guaranteed standards of access and facilities – including the provision of toilets, barbecues, picnic tables, playground equipment and access for anglers with a disability,” she said.
“The premier sites will also be the focus of family fishing events that will be fun and safe days when families and kids can come and learn to fish.”
Ms McTaggart said the State Government would work closely with local angling and community groups as well as the Shire of Yarra Ranges to implement the concept.
“This will ensure that Lillydale Lake is a great place for young people and their families to fish, perhaps for the first time,” she said.
Other premier fishing sites will be developed at Eildon Pondage, Kennington Reservoir in Bendigo, Jubilee Lake in Daylesford, and Hyland Lake in Churchill.
Mr Cameron said the development of the premier fishing sites was part of the Bracks Government’s $3.2 million investment in recreational fishing.
Ms McTaggart said last week’s fish stocking was part of the Family Fishing Lakes program. She said 1500 large ‘ready to catch’ rainbow trout would be released before the June school holidays.
“A total of 34 Victorian bodies of water are being stocked as part of the program because they are close to urban centres or regional towns and can be accessed by young people on foot or bicycle, as well as being accessible for people with a disability,” Ms McTaggart said.
“The Bracks Government recognises that recreational fishing is a major social and economic contributor to local economies – especially in provincial Victoria.
“That’s why we’ve injected an extra $3.2 million to promote recreation fishing in provided increased opportunities for people to be involved in this popular pastime,” he said.