Urapunga Aboriginal Corporation has received a $100,000 Recreational Fishing Grant from the Territory Labor Government to install fishing facilities at a campsite the Corporation is developing at Urapunga.
The grant will help create jobs in the remote community and support the growth of the recreational fishing sector.
The Recreational Fishing Grant scheme is part of the Territory Labor Governments $50 million investment in recreational fishing, which has so far seen improved facilities at several popular fishing spots across the Territory.
Urapunga lies at the junction of the Wilton and Roper Rivers in Southern Arnhem Land, an area popular with recreational fishers. The new campsite will include powered and unpowered sites, ablution blocks, boat hire, outdoor kitchens and tours.
The $100,000 Recreational Fishing Grant will be used to install facilities such as fish cleaning stations, designated camping for fishers, an upgraded boat ramp, undercover gas barbecues and solar-powered lighting bollards.
As stated by Minister for Primary Industry and Resources, Ken Vowles:
The Territory Labor Government is investing $50 million in recreational fishing to boost the sector and create jobs.
The recreational fishing sector employs people across the Territory, including in remote and regional areas, and funding projects such as this Urapunga fishing camp will help create jobs for Aboriginal Territorians on country.
The Roper River is a pristine environment popular with fishos for its abundance of barra and threadfin salmon. This new campsite will give visitors access to the Wilton river system and billabongs, including areas that have not been easily accessible in the past.
As stated by Member for Arnhem, Selena Uibo:
The Urapunga Aboriginal Corporation has already made great progress on this new campsite, and this Recreational Fishing Grant will help them provide even more facilities at the site to attract tourists and recreational fishing to the area.
The community of Urapunga recognises that fishing is a huge part of the Territory lifestyle, and it provides economic development opportunities that will provide jobs for people on country.
As stated by Urapunga Aboriginal Corporation Director, James Woods:
The grant will help to erect a facility whereby recreational fishers can enjoy the remote area fishing that both of those rivers offer.
It also means indigenous members of the community will have the opportunity to seek employment within the prospective tourism venture that the Corporation is presently undertaking.
We hope this grant will lead to a burgeoning tourism industry on the Roper River and lift employment opportunities and the wellbeing of a, until recently, forgotten community somewhere in Southern Arnhem Land.
