South Australian reservoirs to be opened for fishing to boost regional tourism
Reservoirs in South Australia are to be opened for recreational fishing in an effort to attract tourists into regional areas.
The State Government has appointed a taskforce to oversee the conversion of five reservoirs for recreational use.
They include the Baroota Reservoir at Port Germein, Bundaleer Reservoir near Spalding, the Tod Reservoir near Port Lincoln, Hindmarsh Valley Reservoir near Victor Harbor, and Warren Reservoir at Williamstown.
RecFish SA deputy chairperson Ian Fitzgerald said opening the reservoirs up for the community would make them a great attraction.
"All of those reservoirs stocked with recreationally attractive fish would be wonderful opportunities for recreational fishers," he said.
"They would be very safe for children, very good for families and great for regional economies."
Mr Fitzgerald said stocking reservoirs with golden perch, silver perch and trout would be especially popular, but authorities had to work through issues such as providing car parks, boat and kayak access, and amenities such as toilets.
"The reservoirs are not assets that SAWater is really using on a day to day basis so the local councils see them as tourism opportunities and reasons to attract people into their regional areas," he said.
The five reservoirs are relatively small in storage capacity, ranging from 4790 megalitres at Warren Reservoir to 11,300 megalitres at Tod Reservoir.
Both the Tod and Hindmarsh Valley reservoirs are no longer being used for potable water.
The move comes as coastal communities across the state prepare for new fishing restrictions that will come into effect during October, resulting from the implementation of marine sanctuary zones.
