Consultation opens for new fishing jetty at East Point

A popular picnic spot in Darwin has been selected for a possible new fishing jetty. SEE THE PLANS.

Consultation has opened for a new fishing jetty to be built at Darwin’s East Point.

The public is being asked for input on whether they would support a jetty at the popular sunset lookout spot, its size, design and other amenities.

The Amateur Fishermen’s Association of the Northern Territory said it was “very exciting” to see more options for land-based fishos.

“We all know that Darwin has got some great fishing opportunities,” board member Alastair Shields said.

“What we need more of is accessible, safe, land-based opportunities for fishermen, and this new jetty at Dudley Point will provide that.”

Proposed fishing jetty at East Point.

Mr Shields said the East Point location had been selected because it was close to town, and for the sealife.

“There’s some great opportunities to catch sustainable fish such as trevally, mackerel, fish like that, as well as some of the smaller reef fish in the reef part of the proposed jetty area.”

Budget 2024 committed $19.8m for recreational fishing infrastructure in the Top End, however no figure was put on the cost of the proposed jetty.

Recreational Fishing Minister Joel Bowden and AFANT Board Member Alastair Shields as public consultation opens for a new fishing jetty at East Point, Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Recreational Fishing Minister Joel Bowden said cost would depend on the final design, following consultation.

“Recreational fishing is a significant draw card for tourists to the Territory and a beloved pastime for Territorians, with the sector generating $144m directly and a further $126m in indirect activity each year,” he said.

An aerial shot of Dudley Point at East Point, Darwin, where a proposed fishing jetty could be installed. Picture: Supplied.

Last month AFANT handed its election wishlist to both major parties.

At the top of the extensive list was a call for better barramundi management, including the phasing out of industrial scale, inshore gillnetting over the next four years.

The peak body argued ongoing uncertainty and failure to respond to recent waterway access changes had led to too much gillnet being squeezed into key fishing areas.

Mr Bowden said the government “will be making commitments” in relation to recreational fishing ahead of the August election.

He said “nothing’s off the table” when asked if the government would consider buying back gillnet licenses, or banning the practice.

An example of an illegal gill net. (AAP Image/Kym Agius)

“There’s only 80-odd days before we go to the polls, and we’ll be working with AFANT, with all stakeholders, to come up with an election commitment that really does put fishing on the map and gives all fishos an opportunity to wet a line and catch a fish.”

Mr Bowden said he was aware of footage that allegedly shows commercial barramundi gillnets being used in Aboriginal waters in the Arnhem Bay area, where commercial fishing is banned.

“I met with the fisheries representative (on Monday), we’ve discussed that those allegations are very, very serious, and we are investigating them fully,” he said.

He said it was “cheeky” for commercial boats to be going into Aboriginal areas that have been declared a no fish zone.

“I don’t think they should be in those areas at all, if that’s the agreement that’s in place.”