Territory fishers will have access to a new fishing spot near Katherine thanks to a $100,000 grant from the Territory Labor Governments new Recreational Fishing Grants scheme.
The scheme is part of the Governments $50 million investment in recreational fishing, which is supporting the growth of the sector to create jobs.
The grant was given to the Amateur Fishermans Association NT (AFANT) to construct an access route to a spot known locally as 50K Hole on the Katherine River.
The proposed access route will pass through Manbulloo Station, and AFANT and the station leasee, Consolidated Pastoral Company (CPC), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to allow construction of the route and secure access.
50K Hole is located approximately 50km south-west of Katherine and public access to the site will be guided by a Code of Conduct developed by AFANT in consultation with CPC.
As stated by Minister for Primary Industry and Resources, Ken Vowles:
The new Recreational Fishing Grants scheme was established to help eligible organisations apply for funding for projects to help grow the recreational fishing sector and create jobs.
We put aside $1 million for grants over two years, and already this year weve seen AFANT, Darwin Game Fishing Club and Palmerston Game Fishing Club receive grants to hold community fishing events.
This latest grant will add an extra fishing destination to the list of places where Territory fishos and fishing tourists can go to catch a barra 50K Hole is recognised for its quality barra fishing.
As stated by Member for Katherine, Sandra Nelson:
The Territory has some of the best fishing in the world, and creating access to more spots especially spots brimming with barra will cement that reputation.
This new fishing destination will be an additional lure for people to visit and spend money in the Katherine region, which will support jobs in our town.
As stated by AFANT Executive Officer, David Ciaravolo:
Improving access options for recreational fishing is top priority for AFANT right across the Top End.
We are pleased to have the support of the Northern Territory's Government and CPC for this exciting project along the Katherine River.
This is a great example of how the NT Recreational Fishing Grants Scheme is enabling our sector to progress priority projects and to deliver value for money by leveraging community capacity.
As stated by AFANT President, Warren de With:
Improving access to fishing spots through pastoral lands has long been a focus for AFANT and we sincerely thank CPC for working so constructively with us to develop our proposal.
This project is a big deal for fishing access in the Katherine region and there's a real buzz around it already.
We've been thrilled to have local businesses and the Katherine Game Fishing Club get behind this.
