Member for Bega Andrew Constance has met with Merimbula Big Game and Lakes Angling Club members Chris Young and Lindon Thompson to further promote last month’s announcement of a coastal artificial reef.
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Mr Constance was joined by Bega Valley Shire mayor Kristy McBain and Sapphire Coast Tourism executive officer Anthony Osborne on Friday at the Merimbula Wharf to advocate the reef.
“It’s a perfect outcome not just for Merimbula, but also the whole shire,” Mr Constance said.
“In terms of the recreational fishing sector it’s 1800 jobs that are dependent on it and we want that to grow.
“When you start to put this type of infrastructure in you start to make a big difference.”
The artificial reef will be the fifth in NSW; not to the pleasure of some.
“I got a phone call from the Eurobodalla mayor the other day saying, ‘where’s ours?’” Mr Constance said.
He praised Mr Young and Mr Thompson for their proactive approach to applying for the reef, in partnership with the shire and local tourism body.
Mr Young said the reef will be the most accessible one to Victoria, which will continue to bring southern dollars into NSW.
Work on the reef is expected to start next year and hopefully be completed before the Chistmas holidays in 2018.
It will be paid for through the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust.
“It’s such a wise investment. The direct economic benefit is very significant,” Mr Constance said.
“You’ll not only pay it off, you’ll pay it off 20-fold, 30-fold because of the money it will bring in.
“(The location) is a no-brainer. It’ll be more interesting for Eurobodalla because they’ve got the marine park up there.”
Ms McBain was confident recent investment in boat ramps would cater for divers and anglers heading to the new reef.
The location of the reef will likely be between Long Point and Haycock’s Point, at least 4km from shore, in baron sands and in waters at least 30 metres deep.
The reef will be constructed from a series of non-polluting steel or concrete modules and have a minimum design-life of 30 years.
Offshore artificial reefs are already located at Sydney, Shoalhaven and Port Macquarie and a fourth reef will be installed at Port Hacking from July.
