FEDERAL Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell is calling on State Government departments to work together to deliver recreational fishing opportunities at Yan Yean Reservoir.
Mr Mitchell, pictured below, said opening the reservoir to recreational fishers had the capacity to boost the region’s economy.
“Yan Yean Reservoir is ideally suited for recreational fishers and families to come and enjoy some quality time at this magnificent local asset,” he said.
“The Andrews Government has an exceptional record of supporting recreational anglers and creating more local fisheries through their highly successful $35 million Go Fishing Victoria plan to get more people fishing, more often, in more places.
“I have seen first-hand how Sugarloaf Reservoir and Yarrambat Lake are great examples of where this could be done properly and be of great benefit to our local families and communities.”
Mr Mitchell said opening up Yan Yean Reservoir to recreational fishing would be as successful as it had been for other water-storage sites across the state.
“This has been spoken about in the past and I think what the COVID-19 pandemic has shown us is that there is a need for more local recreational activities across our communities,” he said.
“I strongly believe that this is a fantastic opportunity to finally get this done.
“With understanding there are some sensitive areas in the reservoir precinct, we could come together and start with a proposal for land-based fishing opportunities from dedicated platforms and then possibly progress to environmentally friendly watercraft, with strict conditions designed to ensure activities have no impact on water quality or plant and equipment.
“With discussions I have had with stakeholders, there is broad support for the concept, so the next steps are coming together to see how we can do this to deliver the best benefit for our communities.”
