The State Government's Fishability program is using revenue raised by recreational fishing licence fees to organise a busy calendar of jetty events to help children and adults with disability to get outdoors and go fishing.
The Fishability program was established 20 years ago and now operates across Perth's metropolitan area, Mandurah, Busselton, Albany and Geraldton. There are plans to extend the program to Bunbury in the near future.
Purpose-built and motorised rods, reels and fishing rod holders are needed to help those participating in the specially structured, fully supervised, fishing activities and events.
South metropolitan volunteers now have a new van to help them more effectively transport the equipment needed at the jetty locations to support the fishers and to help them develop life skills, self-confidence and great friendships.
As stated by Fisheries Minister Peter Tinley:
"Every year a proportion of the revenue collected through recreational fishing licence fees is allocated to the Recreational Fishing Initiatives Fund for ideas and projects aligned to recreational fishing community priorities.
"This new Fishability van is an example of licence fees being put to work to help the program volunteers get the equipment needed out to various jetties at Rockingham, Coogee, Point Walter, Mount Henry Bridge and Fremantle to help participants enjoy fishing experiences.
"The purchase and fit-out of the van is a $46,000 investment, which is going to make the task of setting up activities and packing up afterwards a lot easier for Fishability volunteers."
As stated by Disability Services Minister Stephen Dawson:
"On the road, and out and about, this van will help raise awareness of the Fishability program and how people of all abilities can enjoy the experience of going fishing.
"This is a fantastic initiative and I commend the 100 or more WA volunteers who make this program so successful with its shore, jetty and vessel-based fishing activities and the advocacy role that Fishability has in promoting inclusive participation in fishing."
As stated by Bicton MLA Lisa O'Malley:
"Fishing off a jetty is one of the best images to capture the Western Australian lifestyle.
"Thanks to this fantastic Fishability initiative, being outdoors in the fresh air and sunshine and potentially catching a feed of fish is an experience that can be enjoyed by people of all abilities."
Fisheries Minister's office - 6552 5300
