New Top End boat ramp at Shady Camp
A new $2.3m boat ramp has been built and opened at Shady Camp on the Mary RiverNorthern Territory and visiting anglers chasing barra will welcome the news that a new $2.3m boat ramp has been built and opened at Shady Camp on the Mary River.
NT Minister for Primary Industry and Resources, Ken Vowles, said the new facility had created local jobs, improved safety for users, and enhanced the NT’s reputation as a world-class fishing destination.
"Recreational fishing is a huge part of the Territory lifestyle and this project is part of the Territory Government’s $50m investment in recreational fishing," Mr Vowles said.
"A 2010 government survey valued the industry at $80 million a year, so it is vital we invest in it."
Warren De With, president of the Amateur Fishermen’s Association of the NT (AFANT), which was involved in consultation, said it was great the NT Government had met its election commitment.
"Shady Camp is one of our most popular barra fishing destinations and this is another step forward in improving access to this world-class barra fishery,” Mr De With said. "It will also greatly improve safety at Shady Camp for fishos launching and retrieving boats."
As well as delivering a modern and safe ramp at the popular fishing spot, the ramp works created jobs. Built by local company Aldebaran Contracting, the Shady Camp ramp is 60m long with dual lanes and has a slip-resistant concrete surface.
As part of the Territory Government’s $50m investment into fishing infrastructure, there's been new CCTV installed and toilets now being built at Dinah Beach boat ramp.
The car park at Middle Arm boat ramp will also be sealed, along with 5.9km of Corroboree Billabong Road. Both projects are set for completion later in September (2017). Options for land-based fishing platforms detailed in a recently received report were being considered, too.
"These new facilities will greatly improve the recreational fishing experience in the Northern Territory," Mr Vowles said. "And we are delighted these projects have been planned with input from recreational fishing stakeholders."
Mr Vowles said investment in such recreational fishing projects helps promote development and create jobs in regional and remote areas, as well as Darwin.
"From jobs in fishing tourism and remote fishing camps to the local businesses supplying fishers with everything they need for a day on the water, the industry is a valuable one and deserves our support," Mr Vowles said.
Fishers are reminded to ‘Be Crocwise’ at all times when fishing from land or boat.
More at the Amateur Fishermen’s Association of the NT.
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