Rec Fishers applaud Toorale Station buy

Recfish Australia - which describes itself as 'the national voice for more than four million recreational fishers' - said the inclusion of the property in Australia's National Reserve System is excellent news and will benefit the native fish communities of the Warrego and Darling River systems. Both these rivers are described as being in a poor condition in the Sustainable River's Audit released earlier this year by the Murray Darling Basin Commission, said the organisation.

"The impacts of these purchases and ongoing buybacks of water allocations are difficult to appreciate in the current drought conditions, but what it means is that at least there are fewer obstacles preventing the Murray from recovering," said CEO, Len Olyott.

"Recovery plans for threatened species such as Murray cod and trout cod can go a long way to bringing back native fish but without water, these plans have zero chance of success."

While Recfish Australia said it supports the extension of Australia's inland reserve system, they are concerned that recreational fishers and other users of the resource are not locked out.

Recreational fishers are often at the forefront of conservation campaigns and river restoration work, and it would be a pity to see their hard work rewarded by being denied the right to access and enjoy the natural environment, said Recfish Australia.

"Ecologically sustainable use is a triple bottom line target that treats the environment, social and economic values equally," said Ollyot.

"Human interaction with nature is vital and essential to fully appreciate why it's worth saving. As soon as you lock it away in a glass cage, you risk losing its value forever," he said.