The Allan Labor Government is building new fishing platforms, providing better fish habitat in our rivers and continuing research of native fish species across Victoria.

Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes has announced several successful projects in the Northern Victoria, including:

• North East CMA – over $195,000 to improve river habitat in stretches of the Cudgewa and Nariel Creeks which will benefit important native species such as Murray cod, Macquarie perch and trout cod.

• North East CMA – $20,000 to improve habitat and fishing opportunities on the Little Snowy Creek near Eskdale.

• Millewa Advisory Group – over $100,000 to install a new fishing jetty at Lake Cullulleraine to provide the opportunity to fish in deeper waters without the need for a boat.

• Australian Trout Foundation – $44,000 to lead a habitat enhancement project on the Ovens River at Bridging Waters to support the recovery of native aquatic species.

• North East River Alliance – $19,000 to repair habitat and access points along the Ovens River at Markwood Reach.

• VFA – Ovens River and Goulburn River will share in $150,000 to monitor the population abundance and recruitment for native fish species. Fishers will then be informed of these areas to improve their fishing experience.

• Australian Trout Foundation – $220,000 to establish a refuge population for Macquarie perch, so that on-grown juvenile fish would be available for translocation to bolster existing populations in other areas or create new populations.

• Hopetoun Angling Club – over $25,000 to install an aeration system in Willow Lake to prevent future black water events, and to safeguard the populations of golden perch, silver perch, and large numbers of native catfish that inhabit the lake.

This grant is one part of 20 new projects which have shared in more than $2 million from the Recreational Fishing Grants Program – backing local communities to improve to facilities and access to fishing.

The program is designed to encourage Victorians to take up fishing and share the many memorable experiences the sport can offer within their communities.

The large grants category of the Recreational Fishing Grants Program is currently open for more new projects, worth up to $100,000 each, until 28 February 2026.

Victoria is proud to stock more fish than every other state and territory in the country combined – giving Victorians more opportunities to take part in fishing across the state.

The grant program is in addition to the Labor Government’s $96 million Go Fishing and Boating Plan to im-prove fishing, boating, piers and aquaculture. For more information on the 20 projects, visit www.vfa.vic.gov.au/feesatwork2025

Quote attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes

“Fishing is an important part of life in Northern Victoria, and this grant will help ensure locals can get out on the water and enjoy the great outdoors”