New fishing platform and family event for Seymour
by Marc B Ainsworth 14 Aug 2018 04:30 UTC
A new fishing platform will be built on the banks of the Goulburn River in Seymour to improve accessibility to the water for fishing, particularly making it safer for kids to have a go at wetting a line.
Labor Upper House Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes, visited the site at Goulburn Park today with fishing icon Rex Hunt to announce a free kids' fishing event to be held during Children's Week in October as part of the Andrews Labor Government's VicFishKids program.
The fishing platform and VicFishKids event are both funded by the Andrews Labor Government's Target One Million plan, which is investing a record $46 million to get more people fishing more often.
Ms Symes has been working on obtaining a fishing platform for Seymour for almost a year. It will be built by the Mitchell Shire using a $100,000 grant from Target One Million's Better Fishing Facilities Fund, which has funded similar infrastructure projects for anglers right across the state.
The platform will be a multi-level design to cater for height changes in the Goulburn River through the year.
"The platform's location in Goulburn Park is ideal given it is in the middle of town, a short walk from the holiday park and close to an existing playground with toilet amenities," Ms Symes said.
"Only the Andrews Labor Government is getting it done for recreational anglers of all ages because we know the social and economic value it can provide for Seymour locals, businesses and tourism.
"The Goulburn River is Seymour's greatest natural asset and I am always looking for ways to help locals and visitors get the most out of it, the platform will be a fantastic asset for the town.
"A new fishing platform at Seymour will improve family fishing opportunities in the Goulburn River and get more people fishing, more often, which is at the heart of our Target One Million plan."
This section of the Goulburn River provides good fishing opportunities for golden perch, Murray cod, trout, redfin and carp, which will be the targets come Sunday October 28, when the free VicFishKids event is on between 10am and 2pm. Rex Hunt will be there on the day as VicFishKids program ambassador.
VicFishKids events are free and provide youngsters with a chance to try fishing for the first time in a safe and supportive environment.
There will be 200 free fishing rods available for kids on the day, as well as experts from Fishcare and local angling clubs to teach the basics of casting a rod, baiting a hook and responsible fishing practises.
Learn more at www.vfa.vic.gov.au/vicfishkids or www.vfa.vic.gov.au/goulburnfishfest