The Minns Government is continuing to support fishing on the North Coast with a $158,000 grant to restore 1,600m2 of complex fish habitat and a popular bass fishing destination on Bungawalbyn Creek.
The grant, from the Flagship Fish Habitat Rehabilitation Grant program, provides funding for projects to significantly enhance fish habitat and fish passage opportunities within the coastal catchments of NSW.
Some $756,947 has been awarded to five projects, including$158,000 to Rous County Council to for the Bungawalbyn Creek project.
The Bungawalbyn Creek is a tributary of the Richmond River and the project will include placing multiple types of structures (rock, snags, riparian vegetation) together along 200 metres of the creeks banks which has proven extremely effective at providing a range of habitat types that suit a variety of fish and their life cycle needs.
Bungawalbyn Creek is a high conservation value waterway and valued Bass fishery, which is a much-loved local fishing spot.
The grants are part of the Government’s ongoing work to protect NSW fishing habitat through the Government’s Recreational Fishing Trust.
The Recreational Fishing Trust directs revenue generated by the NSW Recreational Fishing Fee towards on-ground actions to improve fish habitat and recreational fishing in NSW.
Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:
“The North Coast catchments and waterways have been hit hard by extreme natural events in recent years. This has highlighted the need for assistance to give fish stocks a helping hand.
“Bungawalbyn Creek is a valued local waterway, and known for its mighty Bass Fishing, which attracts tournament fishers.
“These Flagship grants allow fishing clubs, non-Government organisations and other agencies to tackle large, complex projects that will safeguard and enhance local fish habitats and recreational fisheries.
“Improved habitat means better opportunities for fish and therefore better opportunities for recreational fishers.
More information on Flagship Habitat Rehabilitation Grants is available here.
State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said:
“Bungawalbyn Creek is one of the most biodiverse areas in the North Coast region and is home to a rich mix of plants, animals and macroinvertebrates.
“It is a largely unmodified estuarine tributary with high conservation value which is rare in the Richmond Catchment.
“The project team has received numerous letters of support including from local OzFish Chapter, local fishing clubs and the community.
“Restoring this local waterway as a haven for fish will benefit both the community, as well as fish, providing rehabilitated fish habitat such as snags and riparian vegetation allowing fish opportunities to live and breed in a healthy waterway.”
