Many Adelaide fishers may be aware of the proposed City of Charles Sturt (CCS) by-laws amendment which would allow for the closure of all or part of West Lakes to fishing at certain times. RecFish SA are concerned about access for recreational fishers and on the 24th of July wrote to the City of Charles Sturt.
Some of the concerns raised in the letter included: “One of the main concerns in the community seems to be that fishing will be banned at night. This would close the most safe, productive and accessible mulloway fishery to metro anglers. Recreational fishing has been enjoyed at West Lakes for many years; it is a positive for young locals and a safe night time activity. And by and large, the great majority of recreational fishers do the right thing.”
Following this letter, the RecFish SA Deputy Chair Ian Fitzgerald and Metro RFC Chair Mike Bailey met with
West Lakes is one of the most productive night time mulloway fisheries in the metro area
a senior council officer on August 1 2014 to develop an understanding of the Council situation concerning recreational fishing and to convey recreational anglers keen interest in maintaining access to this iconic metropolitan fishing location.
The council advised that the review which also concerns many other activities, will include recreational fishing, however if adopted by the Council at the August 11 meeting, no changes to access can be implemented without extensive public consultation and this would include contact with organisations including the Metro RFC and RecFish SA.
The council stated that they strongly support recreational fishing in the lake and do not have plans to ban fishing in the lake or fishing or boating in the lake at night. The CCS advised that the changes to the by-laws are being introduced to allow for the enforcement of partial lake closures to fishing and boating during major sporting events.
Recently added fish cleaning table near the West Lakes inlet
The council were keen to point out that a recently built fish cleaning table, better parking, BBQs and toilets demonstrate the CCS’s support for recreational fishing in the lake and that any negative impacts from or residents concerns about fishing, are not attributed to the majority of anglers who have a long history of fishing the lake responsibly.
RecFish SA and the Metro RFC raised possibility of implementing the “Hook, Line and Thinker” fishing waste recycling system around the lake as well as the “Fish Hotels” project to enhance fish habitat and stocks in the lake. The prospect of introducing new habitat for mulloway and bream is exciting and both organisations will pursue this possibility with the Council.
RecFish SA also advised of current funding of $3.25M for recreational fishing programs including $.600M for a marine artificial reef, $.400M for 5 reservoirs, and a $2.25M Recreational Fishing Grant Program for smaller projects over the next three years, from the state government. Some of these funds will be available for fishing platforms, fish cleaning tables, toilets near recreational fishing locations and other projects like those mentioned above, for councils to improve recreational fishing.
RecFish SA and the Metro RFC believe a positive relationship has been developed with the Council and all parties will continue to work together to ensure positive outcomes for the recreational fishers and the wider community. Together the parties will be working on initiatives including a Code of Conduct and Fishing Locations Brochure to ensure anglers are well informed and access to the lake is maintained.
The safe, sheltered waters of West Lakes
RecFish SA and the Metro RFC are committed to ensuring recreational fishers can continue to enjoy fishing in West Lakes as they have for many years and hope to see the angling experience in this area improved.
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