Grant to save riverside park

A grant from the NSW recreational fishing licence saltwater trust fund will help preserve angler access and improve the environment of a much-loved Forster-Tuncurry landmark.

The licence trust will put $5000 towards the project to be matched by $5000 from the Great Lakes Council.

The grant will help construct a fishing platform on the Wallamba River at Darrawank, on the northern approach to Forster-Tuncurry.

“The reserve is well used by locals and visitors to the area,” said Department of Primary Industries Fisheries Manager Max Withnell.

“It is a popular fishing area about 20 metres from The Lakes Way.

“Unfortunately serious erosion is occurring at the site due to the inappropriate access from the road and from boats using the river.

“Erosion control works funded by the Great Lakes Council will be part of the fishing platform project.

“The new platform will complement facilities already on the site which include an informal parking area, picnic sites and a toilet.”

The platform will be approximately four metres long and three metres wide with a safety rail and several benches.

Mr Withnell said the project was a good example of anglers’ fees at work.

“All money raised by the NSW recreational fishing licence is placed into saltwater and freshwater trusts overseen by anglers and used to improve recreational fishing,” said Mr Withnell.

“Funding for this project comes from the Recreational Fishing Trust’s Small Grants Program. Under the program, community groups are invited to apply for grants of up to $5,000 on a matching dollar-for-dollar basis, in this case from Great Lakes Council.”

Media contact: Howard Spencer 02 66568800 or mobile 0428 696672