Number plates set to drive recreational fishing

Victorian anglers are being asked to provide feedback on the slogan and colour for new custom number plates aimed at driving interest in recreational fishing.

Fishing and Boating Minister Jaala Pulford has called for anglers’ input on new custom number plates. Picture: Chloe Smith.

The state government is fishing for feedback on proposed new custom number plates aimed at recreational anglers.

The bait of a $495 voucher is on offer as part of the campaign to find the best catchy slogan to adorn the latest version of customised plates for Victorian vehicles.

Fishing and Boating Minister Jaala Pulford urged anglers to choose their favourite wording and design by April 29 at the vplates.com.au website.

BLACK MARKET FUELS DODGY FISHERS

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VICROADS SAYS NO TO EMOJI NUMBER PLATES

Possible wording options include “Fishing for the Future”, “Victoria: My Local Water” and “Family Fishing”.

VicRoads and the Victorian Fisheries Authority have created the slogan and design options that feature different fish species.

Some of the proposed new designs aimed at anglers.

The move is part of the state’s Target One Million project to get more people fishing, more often. The aim is to have 1 million anglers by 2020.

The campaign also aims to halt commercial netting in Port Phillip and Corio Bays over eight years, and to ban netting at the mouths of rivers in the Gippsland Lakes as well as establishing a Better Fishing Facilities Fund.

Fishing and Boating Minister Jaala Pulford has called for anglers’ input on new custom number plates. Picture: Chloe Smith.

A Community Plate program has also been launched which allows charities and not-for-profit groups to apply for a free custom plate for use on one of their vehicles.

The program was sparked by Help for Wildlife volunteer Logan McKimmie, age 8, who asked VicRoads to reserve a custom plate for the group’s mobile vet clinic.

Victorians can visit the Custom Plates website and vote for their favourite design and slogan.

Custom number plates is an increasingly popular option for motorists. VicRoads receives about 25,000 applications a year.

During the last financial year, a record number of 203 applications were rejected because they contained inappropriate language, had physical or mental health references, contained poor road safety messages or made violent references.

More than 4000 plates in footy themes and colours are sold every year with Richmond fans the most enthusiastic to show their Tiger pride on their cars.

Regular custom plates cost $495 for the pair, generating more than $12 million a year in revenue for the road agency.

VicRoads has ruled out following a Queensland move to incorporate emojis on its state’s personalised number plates.

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@IanRoyall