The Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing visited the brand new fishing platform on the lower portion of the Tarwin River today.

The platform is located on the picturesque bend in the river that borders the road between Tarwin Lower and Venus Bay. It adds to the fishing and general amenity of the area and continues a strong history of waterway protection on the Tarwin.

Funded through fishing licence fees which go to the Victorian Government’s Recreational Fishing Grants Program, the installation of the fishing platform will help maintain bank stability, prevent erosion, and improve access for recreational fishers using the area.

The new fishing platform, which is part of a series of eight on the Tarwin, complements other recent infrastructure improvements in the area, including picnic facilities and a rotunda, installed near the site by South Gippsland Shire Council.

Quotes attributable to Harriet Shing, Member for Eastern Victoria

“It’s great to be here in this beautiful part of Gippsland with the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority, to recognise an important addition to the recreational amenity of the region.

“This new fishing platform is part of making the Tarwin River an even better place for locals and visitors. Fishing is an important part of the tourism experience in Gippsland and helps drive the local economy.

“The Victorian Government’s Target One Million plan will grow participation in recreational fishing, complementing the Recreational Fishing Grants program.”

Quotes attributable to Martin Fuller, Chief Executive Officer, West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority

“The bank of the Tarwin River has had significant pressure from foot and vehicle traffic over the years and this has resulted in erosion that has lowered the height of the bank in places and increased the area susceptible to damage during high tide events.

“It’s hoped that these works, along with river restoration work at key points in the upper catchment, will provide long term improvements to the environmental health of the entire waterway.”

“The platforms give people the opportunity to relax and enjoy the benefits of improved surrounds, improved stream condition and an improved fishing experience.”