Labor is backing Victoria's freshwater fisheries by giving endangered fish species a massive boost.
Minister Dimopoulos today announced the Macquarie Perch Recovery Centre at the Snobs Creek Hatchery is now complete.
The brand-new $5 million centre will give the endangered fish species a massive boost.
This will increase local capability, safeguard supply, and ensure that recreational fishing continues to thrive across the state.
The project is backed by Labor's $96 million Go Fishing and Boating Victoria Plan.
Construction of the centre took over a year to complete and supported 20 local jobs during construction.
The centre is equipped with world-class technology, including a series of recirculating aquaculture systems which carefully control light, water temperature and dissolved oxygen.
This optimises conditions to breed these important and iconic native species.
131,770 Macquarie perch have been released this year to continue the species recovery.
This includes 10,755 into the Broken River, 3,000 into Dartmouth Dam, 32,495 into the Goulburn River, 22,440 into the King River, 40,550 into the Kiewa River and 22,530 into the Ovens River.
The new centre aims to produce up to 500,000 Macquarie perch and 500,000 trout cod every year - which represents a nearly four-fold increase compared to current production capacity.
This is in addition to the Arcadia Fish Hatchery which can produce 6 million Murray cod and golden perch every year.
This centre represents a big milestone in the conservation of endangered fish species in Australia.
Labor is proud to invest in fishing, because we encourage Victorians to get outdoors, create memories and build stronger communities.
As stated by Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos
"This new Recovery Centre is a game-changer for Victoria's endangered native fish, ensuring our great fishing traditions continue for generations to come."
"Labor backs fishing because it gives Victorians more ways to get outside, make memories, and connect with their communities."
As stated by Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
"This centre is a fantastic asset to the region, protecting iconic species like the Macquarie perch and ensuring that recreational fishing can continue to thrive right across the state."
