By Raquel Mustillo
THE establishment of a fish passage in Lake Bonney to facilitate the natural exchange of fish from marine to freshwater could transform the coastal lagoon into a premier tourism destination, according to RecFish SA.
The state’s peak body for recreational fishing has reiterated its bold plan to transform the Limestone Coast into the ‘Kakadu of the south’ to expand further angling opportunities and draw tourists to the Limestone Coast.
RecFish SA project research officer Ian Fitzgerald said there was enormous untapped potential across the region’s water bodies – including Lake Bonney, Lake George and Lake Leake – which if developed, could contribute to communities and recreational activities.
“Lake Bonney is a perfect place for recreational use, including recreational fishing, walking, kayaking and bird watching, but it’s currently underrecognised as a recreational and tourism location,” he said.
“After years of pollution, the waters were declared as suitable for human contact in 2008 and RecFish applied for kayaks and canoes to access the waters, which was granted in 2013.
“The recovery from the pollution impact is a success story for environmental improvement, yet the lake is still to return as an economic contributor to the region.”
Mr Fitzgerald said while the Limestone Coast contained significant quantities of the state’s surface freshwater and provides numerous and extensive lakes, the recreational fishing levels were low.
“Lake Bonney could provide substantial economic motivation for tourism, particularly for Millicent, as it is less than 10km away and has existing bitumen road access,” he said.
“In Lake Bonney you can find yellow-eye mullet and tench, which are up to four pound and a great catch.
“There’s also the ability to have an exchange of fish from marine to freshwater and vice versa through the construction of a fish passage and adequate stocking of desirable species.
“In places like Lake George, you could get up to 16 species of marine fish like King George whiting, snapper and garfish which are iconic recreational fish species.”
Mr Fitzgerald said the fishing organisation’s Kakadu of the South proposal aimed to link the region’s water bodies with the existing recreational fishing trail, which stretches from Aroona Dam, Mid North reservoirs and the Barossa Valley.
“The lakes are basically unused and there are some that have great facilities such as Lake Leake and Lake George, but are very low in terms of fishing capabilities,” Mr Fitzgerald said.
“These are community assets in plain sight owned by the State Government, and it’s the State Government’s responsibility and challenge to develop the facilities, encourage flows, stock appropriate species and construct boat ramps, channels and lights.”
Mr Fitzgerald said although financial estimates had yet to be determined, he suggested the conception and development would be in the vicinity of “double figures in the millions”.
“The bigger the lake, the more money that will be required to get it sorted, but there would be a number of benefits for the region,” he said.
Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister David Basham said while he had not received a proposal, he encouraged RecFish SA to submit the plan to the Minister’s Recreational Fishing Advisory Council for consideration.
The plan has however been floated federally, with RecFish SA making several submissions to the Federal Select Committee on Regional Australia, chaired by Barker MP Tony Pasin.
“As the chair of the Federal House Select Committee on Regional Australia, I congratulate RecFish SA on their proposal to develop the ‘Kakadu of the South’ by expanding recreational fishing opportunities in South Australia creating a tourism draw card that will attract anglers from across the country,” he said.
“Members of the committee were impressed by the evidence provided by RecFish SA as an example of potential natural tourism offer that could be developed in regional Australia with the support of infrastructure funding from State and Federal Governments and the policy will of relevant regulatory authorities.
“I wish RecFish SA all the very best with its desire to transform the Limestone Coast into the ‘Kakadu of the South’.”
The committee is expected to hand down its report at the end of this year.
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