THE Victorian government has released its Victorian Recreational Fishing Tourism Strategy.
The strategy was an election commitment and is part of the government’s $35 million Go Fishing Victoria plan, aiming to position Victoria as Australia’s premier recreational fishing destination.
Ten locations identified in the strategy – as well as the fish species to target at each of them – includes West Coast “blue barrels”, Lake Eildon “cod mecca”, Gippsland Lakes and Mallacoota, Sunset Country, Central Highlands trail, Burnanga Trail, Aussie bass Trail, High Country, South West Trophy Lakes and the Grampians, and Port Phillip Bay.
The strategy will implement 53 recommendations over the next five years and provide a vision, goals, and priority areas for further developing fishing as a pivotal contributor to Victoria’s visitor economy.
Freshwater favourites such as Murray cod, golden perch and trout are recognised in the strategy alongside popular saltwater targets, including southern bluefin tuna, snapper, and kingfish.
Victorian Fisheries Authority is leading the strategy’s implementation in partnership with regional tourism bodies and shires.
For more information: www.vfa.vic.gov.au/tourismstrategy
