Related content: Artificial reef for Batemans Bay
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Eurobodalla anglers have received an early Easter present after the announcement of $500,000 in state government funding for an artificial reef off the Batemans Coast.
Members of fishing clubs across the shire were present for NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian’s announcement in Moruya on Monday, March 26.
Euro Fishing Association president Adam Martin said the news was a “massive win” for local and visiting recreational fishers.
“This all started when I was the president of the Tomakin Fishing Club. Now I’m president of the Euro Fishing Association and Batemans Bay Game Club,” Mr Martin said.
“When it came to the petition, a lot of the local businesses really got behind it.
“It’s fantastic what it will do for the local economy … I’m really looking forward to when it’s deployed.
The artificial reef will be constructed from two pelagic steel towers, similar to structures already in use off the West Australian coast.
Ms Berejiklian said the funding would complement $600,000 committed from the Recreational Fishing Trust.
“We know what this means for the fishing community, but also, more importantly, to the wider community,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Batemans Bay is famous for its fishing, famous for serving up great fish and famous for drawing tourists and we want that to continue and thrive into the future.”
Mr Martin hoped the structure would attract popular recreational fish species, such as kingfish, mulloway and snapper to the area.
A NSW Government spokesperson said consultation with the community on the location of the Eurobodalla reef would commence in the near future.
