Almost 10,000 fish have been released across the Bland Shire during the latest restocking program, aimed at enhancing recreational fishing opportunities for enthusiasts young and old.
Having participated in various restocking projects across the electorate, Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke congratulated the council on taking active steps to encourage local fishing – both for residents, and tourists to the region.
“Fish restocking obviously helps enhance the health of our waterways, but it has the added benefit of boosting tourism in our towns and villages, which is great news for the local economy,” Ms Cooke said.
“As well as the economic benefits, fishing is a wonderful activity for kids, and I know the council has a particular focus on creating an environment that encourages budding anglers to try their luck,” she said.
Bland Shire Council Environmental Officer Glenn Neyland said approximately 2,000 Golden Perch (also known as Yellowbelly or Murray Perch) were released at each of the five locations selected within the shire.
“The team released the fish in some of the old town water supply dams, and other larger dams in the area, including at Barmedman, West Wyalong wetlands, Ungarie, Weethalle, and Tallimba,” Mr Neyland said.
“The last restock that was undertaken was back in early 2022; it takes around two years for the fish to grow so this latest drop has been timed to ensure we see a continuous supply of fish in the dams.
“The council’s restocking program is very much about promoting recreational fishing; I often get feedback from younger members in the community about the fish they’ve caught, and the best spots to drop a line in,” he said.
Photograph caption: Steph Cooke with Leigh Logan from the Tara Native Fish Hatchery, who provided the fish for the restock.
