Darebin, Reservoir residents debate Edwardes Lake Park fishing ban

Some say it could get youth off the streets, others say it would devastate local wildlife – here’s where authorities stand on a controversial fishing ban.

Amateur anglers and nature lovers are scrapping over a push to introduce recreational fishing at a popular park in Melbourne’s north.

Darebin anglers attempting to lure the local council to their side of a debate over Edwardes Lake, Reservoir have come up against strong opposition from a community group which claims dropping a line in would spell disaster for the area’s environmental values.

The anglers have the support of the Victorian Fisheries Authority — which stocks suburban lakes and waterways across Melbourne including Karkarook Lake, Lilydale lake, Casey Fields, Ringwood Lake and Albert Park Lake — as well as VRFish, the state’s peak recreational fishing body.

Black swans on Edwardes Lake, Reservoir, where recreational fishing is prohibited by order of Darebin City Council. Picture: Ellen Smith

Both groups have lobbied Darebin City Council to rethink the ban, with VRFish stating in October 2021 that it contradicted the city’s Health and Wellbeing Plan and that the then $552 penalty infringement notice for any of the city’s 8700 recreational fishing licence holders caught undertaking a “legal and beneficial outdoor activity” was “beyond the pale”.

The council is not budging on the issue, confirming this week that it prohibited fishing at the artificial lake “primarily due to the poor water quality which has been caused by a combination of factors, including urban-run off, sewerage, industrial waste and other external influences”.

“Council has a very strong environmental/biodiversity focus for Edwardes Lake and we remain committed to improving the overall water quality at this site,” a spokesperson said.

Anglers argue Edwardes Lake is an ‘ideal’ location to introduce recreational fishing. According to the VFA, the lake contains mainly European carp, and some roach, redfin and goldfish. Picture: Ellen Smith

Friends of Edwardes Lake president Kate Jost supports the council’s stance, saying “the future for the lake doesn’t include fishing”.

“The lake is for biodiversity and recreation that doesn’t have a negative impact on biodiversity,” Ms Jost said, highlighting potential issues such as harm to wildlife through discarded fishing line, hooks, and plastic waste.

“Urban waterways like Edwardes Lake have enough stresses and don’t need the additional stress of fishing,” she said.

Picture: Supplied

Reservoir fishing enthusiast Sam Cunsolo has urged residents to contact North West Ward councillor Gaetano Greco to keep pushing the alternative view, arguing more activities on offer at the lake would benefit local youth.

“The lake was created for community recreation and fishing is one of those recreational activities that brings great benefits not only to anglers but the wider community,” Mr Cunsolo said.

“It creates opportunities for the youth to go fish rather than roam the streets or for families to go there together and try their luck.

“Unfortunately, we have a council that doesn’t seem too interested in using this opportunity.”

According to the VFA, there were several attempts in the early 1980s to develop a trout fishery at Edwardes Lake but these ceased because of “unacceptable” levels of water pollution.

Schoolchildren participate in a fishing contest at Edwardes Lake, Reservoir in 1969.

In the nearby city of Whitehorse, Mitcham Angling Club recently launched a petition asking the state government to allow recreational fishing at Blackburn Lake, with 173 signatures collected to date.

Cr Greco was contacted for comment.