Thursday, 18 May 2023

Eastern Victoria Region

Tom McINTOSH (Eastern Victoria) (12:45): (182) My question is for the Minister for Outdoor Recreation in the other place. Minister, recreational fishing in Eastern Victoria is booming, especially in the Gippsland Lakes. The increasing popularity of recreational fishing combined with the increasing fish stock have resulted in benefits to both local communities and recreational fishers from Gippsland and beyond. What is the government doing to facilitate this boom and to promote recreational fishing and boating in the Eastern Victoria Region? Projects under the Better Boating Victoria program will bring benefits to this region, including the newly announced upgrades to the Metung boat ramp and previous upgrades such as to the Apex Park boat ramp in Lakes Entrance. These projects will make it easier for locals and visiting boaters to enjoy a day out on the water at the iconic Gippsland Lakes, with construction set to start on the Metung boat ramp within weeks. I also recognise the effort that has been made regarding fish stocks, as I recently joined the minister to release some beautiful fish by hand. These efforts ensure a bright future for fishing in Victoria.