RFA Prospect Reservoir submissions closing 30 September

by Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW 29 Sep 2023 07:59 BST

The NSW Government is conducting a feasibility study into recreational use of Prospect Reservoir, including recreational fishing. After our many years of lobbying to get our water storages opened up it looks like the Minns government is finally taking the RFA's request seriously. Don't let this opportunity pass you by.

The RFA is urging all NSW fishers to take 5 minutes to go to the link and complete the consultation process. The survey period closes at 11:59 pm on Saturday 30 September 2023. More information about the study and public consultation process is available at this link.

As long ago as 2011 the RFA of NSW presented a position paper that included some of the points below:

• There is widespread support for recreational fishing activities at Prospect
• Prospect Reservoir would be a "Put-and-Take Fishery" where stocking of trout and bass is provided on a frequent basis and funded by recreational anglers through the Recreational Fishing Trust Fund.
• Examples of such successful locations are water supply dams such as the Googong Reservoir in ACT and the Heinze and Tinaroo Dams in Queensland. Angler access has been permitted to these locations for many years and shows that controlled management allowing recreational fishing is very possible.
• Apart from being an amenity for local fishing clubs and the community, Prospect, if regularly stocked would develop into a "one off" freshwater fishing gem for the fishers of Sydney, especially those from Western Sydney. The local community would have a freshwater facility to fish close to home.
• Sydney has never had such a facility. This would be a first!
• Local fishing clubs could arrange outings and fishing competitions at the Reservoir.
• Fishing from small boats, canoes and kayaks should be permitted.
• Local schools would have the option to introduce fishing into their sporting programs.
• Provision could be made for fishing platforms around the Reservoir at locations easily accessed by elderly, young and disabled fishers.
• Access for fishing must be prioritised in the first round of consultation, not as an afterthought.

The RFA is urging all fishers to complete the survey and keep the pressure on the government to honour a commitment it made to the RFA when it was in opposition. This is a win for all fishers, especially those from Western Sydney.

Examples of fishing platforms/infrastructure we would want to see around the reservoir:

Please take 5 minutes to go to the link and complete the consultation process. The survey period closes at 11:59 pm on Saturday 30 September 2023.