River Derwent to hook more anglers

One of Tasmania’s most loved fishing spots, the River Derwent, is being revamped with 50 popular sites to be upgraded to improve the access and experience for local and visiting anglers.

It was a pleasure to today join the Anglers Alliance Tasmania to launch the Derwent River upgrade, the ninth project to be delivered through the successful Anglers Access Program.

The Hodgman Liberal Government, through the Inland Fisheries Service, has teamed with Anglers Alliance Tasmania to deliver the Anglers Access Program for the Derwent.

Of course none of this could happen without the support of volunteers and local land owners, and I sincerely thank them for their support.

The 60 kilometres of the Derwent’s riverfront that’s been improved follows the success of the Anglers Access Program at areas including the Huon River, Macquarie River and Mersey River.

In all, 260 km of rivers across Tasmania have now benefitted from the project, with improved signage, visitor information booths, anglers’ access brochures and interpretation signs at more than 100 locations at popular waters across the state.

The River Derwent is the second most popular river fishery in our state, with more than 2,300 anglers fishing it during the 2013/14 season and these upgrades will no doubt boost this.

The upgrades include fence stiles and crossings, signing of electric fences, installation of 50 warning and information signs, parking, gates, steps, footbridges and paths to improve access.

We are proud of our trout and inland fisheries in Tasmania, especially as we mark the milestone 150 year anniversary trout season.

I’m certain our work with the Anglers Alliance will build on the success of the fishery, and support growth in angling tourism, particularly from interstate anglers which has grown to around 6,000 licence sales in recent years, that’s 20 per cent of total sales.

The Derwent River project was funded with a grant from the Federal Government’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, matched by in-kind and financial support from the State Government, together with a significant volunteer contribution through individuals and the Anglers Alliance.

I congratulate the Anglers Alliance on their work and we look forward to continuing to work with them as the Anglers Access Program commences on the South Esk River later this year.
Jeremy Rockliff, Minister for Primary Industries and Water