Fisheries big build is on at Snobs Creek and Braeside
by Joel B Peterson 1 Sep 2020 22:52 UTC
Snobs Creek revamp © Joel Peterson
Work is under way on two exciting developments that will make fishing even better across the state.
Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) CEO Travis Dowling said the Snobs Creek hatchery facility, near Eildon, is undergoing a $1.2 million revitalisation and a new fisheries officer station is being established at Braeside.
"We recognise the importance of fishing to Victorians and the economy, which is why we're investing in a Big Build within the Victorian Fisheries Authority," Mr Dowling said.
"The Snobs Creek redevelopment is the first major upgrade at the site since 2000, with old and redundant buildings to be demolished and the remaining core complex renovated to provide a modernised workplace for more than 20 people.
"The works will create valuable space to further increase fish production at Snobs Creek so more Murray cod can be stocked into fisheries across the state including Lake Eildon, the Goulburn River and Lake Eppalock.
"Breeding bigger numbers of trout cod and Macquarie perch is on the agenda too and will support other recovery efforts for these valued native species.
"We also want to ramp up trout production for stocking into iconic freshwater lakes like Purrumbete, Bullen Merri and Wendouree.
"Increased capacity to grow fish at Snobs Creek will help deliver a key commitment of the State Government's $35 million Target One Million phase two plan, which is boosting fish stocking to a record 10 million in 2022."
Mr Dowling said four fisheries officers would be stationed at the new Braeside site, which will function as both a fisheries office and a depot. It is expected to be open in September.
"The Braeside station will improve Fisheries' capacity to patrol the south east waters of Port Phillip and provide education and enforcement to a growing Melbourne.
"It will enable officers to more regularly visit inland waters including nearby Karkarook Lake, the upper Yarra River and suburban waters throughout eastern Melbourne."