The Territory Labor Government is rolling out its $50 million election promise to boost recreational fishing, attract people to the NT and create local jobs, with the largest single investment into recreational fishing - the $8.3 million Artificial Reef project - almost complete.
Deployment of the last of the reef modules is set to wrap up this week and users are expected to notice the benefits of the reefs, said to be the largest single installation of artificial reefs in the Southern Hemisphere, almost immediately.
The reefs are located across the greater Darwin region, with two between North Gutter and Lee Point, one in the Dundee region, and one between the Vernon Islands and Cape Hotham.
In an early Christmas presents to recreational fishers, the artificial reef coordinates have been released and included in the publication of the annual Tomorrow's Fishing Starts Today booklet as well as the app and online.
This booklet contains a wealth of information on fishing in the Territory including possession limits, local rules and vessel safety.
As the largest single investment into recreational fishing in the Northern Territory with a life span of well over 100 years, the project is funded from the Territory Labor Governments $50 million RecFishing Futures Program.
The reef coordinates are:
AR1 Lee Point Wide
12 10 083
130 47 033
AR2 Gutters Central
12 09.459
130 34.665
AR3 Dundee Wide
12.44.445
130 34.665
AR4 Adelaide River Mouth
12 07.587
131 11.545
As stated by Minister for Primary Industry and Resources, Paul Kirby:
Territorians love their fishing, and we know the important economic contribution this industry makes to the NT. This is why the Territory Labor Government promised $50 million to boost our recreational fishing infrastructure.
"Recreational fishing attracts visitors to the Northern Territory and creates jobs across the industry.
"With the reef deployment finishing up before Christmas, I'm hopeful Territory fisho's will have a chance to go and explore all the reefs have to offer over the festive season."
