Saltwater Trust Allocation

2006/07 $121,500
2007/08 $118,000
2008/09 $125,400

Freshwater Trust Allocation

2006/07 $60,750
2007/08 $118,000
2008/09 $125,400

Aim

To secure permanent, free and fair access for anglers along our coastlines, rivers and the lakes of NSW and maintaining this access for future generations.

Background

A huge number of potential access sites along rivers, streams and estuaries in NSW are traversed by Public or Crown Land. A preliminary analysis of access to tidal waters has indicated that there are an additional 1 million potential tidal access sites that could be utilised by recreational fishermen. Many of the access locations identified are managed by other government departments and agencies (eg. Local Council, Parks, Lands NSW, RTA etc) or through Enclosure Permits, Western lease’s, Land-locking etc. Initial work has revealed that angler access has been found to be limited to many sites through poorly defined roads, illegal and legal closures, farming practices, weed infestation, poor signage and changes to the river through natural attrition. In many cases, public roads or reserves have been blocked by adjoining landholders or are unformed (paper roads) and not clearly defined to the angler.

It is important to identify rightful angler access that is practical to the angler and considerate to adjoining landholders.

Objectives

• Identification of existing and future access locations of importance to anglers compiled into an easy access format.
• Negotiation on behalf of stakeholders on access arrangements throughout NSW.
• Developing clearly defined access rights for recreational users and providing this information to anglers and other stakeholders.
• Development of a code of conduct on the use of access locations by recreational anglers.
• Development of an angler guide with details of existing and potential access locations.
• The provision of defined thoroughfare including signage, fence stiles and access track maintenance.