Monday, March 27, 2017

Recreational anglers can now enjoy better access to fishing spots in Lake Tyers State Park with the completion of 17.7km of improvement works on seven vehicle tracks.

The Lake Tyers State Park is one of ten parks under a joint management partnership between the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC) and Parks Victoria.

The GLaWAC Joint Management Rangers have been a key partner in supporting the on-ground components of these works.

Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing said improvements along the tracks included reforming the surface, reinstating drainage run-off points and re-sheeting sections with gravel to improve their longevity.

“Improving angler access is a key element of the Andrews Labor Government’s Target One Million plan, which funded these works.  The Target One Million plan aims to get more people fishing and get them on or near the water more often,” Ms Shing said.

“The track improvements were undertaken by Parks Victoria using a $45,300 grant from Target One Million’s Better Fishing Facilities Program.  The focus of the investment was on improving access and facilities for anglers, ranging from boardwalks to fishing platforms.”
The seven tracks are:

• Burnt Bridge (West) track – 2.8km
• Cherry Tree Track – 1.3km
• Pile Bay Track – 3.7km
• Crystal Bay Track – 1.1km
• Gibbs Track – 1.6km
• Pettman Road – 5.2km
• Morgan’s Landing/Ironbark Track – 2km

Ms Shing said wet weather in winter and spring of last year had delayed works, however anglers and campers had been using the improved tracks since Christmas Eve.”

“The track work will reduce unnecessary driving along sensitive shorelines to reach fishing spots.  It is important that we look after the environment so that anglers can still fish in this area in the future.”

“Elsewhere in Gippsland Target One Million is stocking more Australian bass into rivers and lakes, implementing a marine stocking program for species like estuary perch and mulloway and expanding commercial netting exclusion zones around river mouths in the Gippsland Lakes.”