IFS submits two applications to MAST’s Recreational Boating Fund

Each year MAST calls for applications from interested parties to upgrade and improve boating facilities from MAST’s annual Recreational Boating Fund.

The Inland Fisheries Service recently completed an audit of boating infrastructure at lakes and lagoons around Tasmania in conjunction with MAST and Hydro Tasmania.

As a result of this audit the Service has prioritised projects that will support the development of freshwater angling and provide improved facilities for anglers into the future. A significant factor is the need to provide for our aging demographic. The Service intends to submit applications for other projects identified by the audit in subsequent years.

Applications for projects at Arthurs Lake and Four Springs Lake have been submitted for consideration in 2010. Anglers can support these projects if they wish by attending the MAST public meetings to be held in May as part of the process to assess these and other applications.

Location: Arthurs Lake Dam Boat Ramp

Project proposal: Rock Groyne Extension, Navigation Aid and Walkway

Arthurs Lake has been either the most popular or the second most popular lake fishery in Tasmania for at least the past 10 years with between 7,000 and 10,000 anglers fishing the lake annually. Arthurs Lake is particularly popular with boating anglers with a large number of shacks within a 10 km radius at Yangeena, Flintstone and Wilburville.

The application is to extend the existing rock groyne at the Arthurs Lake Dam boat ramp to protect boats from prevailing winds when launching and retrieving, particularly at low water levels and to construct a timber walkway down the centre of the dual lane boat ramp.

To enable boaters returning to the ramp after dusk to navigate safely it is proposed to install a solar powered navigation light at the end of the rock groyne.

Location: Four Springs Lake Boat Ramp

Project proposal: Duplication and Walkway

Four Springs Lake is a regionally significant lake and was the seventh most popular lake fishery in Tasmania in 2008/09 with over 2,700 anglers fishing the lake in that year. Four Springs is particularly popular with boating anglers and is within close proximity of major population centres of Launceston, Westbury and Deloraine.

Demand on facilities at Four Springs Lake peaks between August and December and due to the angling regulations permitting angling from 1 hour before sunrise a large number of boats are launched within a short period of time. This leads to congestion and frustration for boaters due to the current single lane boat ramp.

This application is to duplicate the existing single lane concrete ramp, and to construct a timber walkway down the centre of the (new) dual lane boat ramp. The walkway will provide boaters with a safe location to board and tie off their boats whilst parking vehicles. This will be particularly helpful as many anglers fish this water independently.