Territory Alliance puts $40 million on the line for recreational fishos

RECREATIONAL fishing would receive a $40 million windfall under a Territory Alliance government to build and improve infrastructure

Territory Alliance leader Terry Mills. Picture GLENN CAMPBELL

RECREATIONAL fishing would receive a $40 million windfall under a Territory Alliance government to build and improve infrastructure, including extending the Nightcliff jetty.

Territory Alliance’s recreational fishing policy, released late last night, is the second policy in a row released by the party that includes a large financial spend.

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To make life better for recreational fishos at Nightcliff the party would; extend the jetty to allow more land-based fishing, make the groyne accessible to pedestrians, build a pontoon for recreational vessels and improve parking for land vehicles.

At Dundee the party wants to install a pontoon for safer boat launches, make the groyne accessible to pedestrians, improve infrastructure to mitigate sand build-up on the ramp and improve access to more remote fishing destinations.

Teens at Nightcliff jetty enjoying the recent monsoonal weather.

Party leader Terry Mills framed the investment as “targeted stimulus” to keep the Territory economy afloat over the next few financial years as he doused concerns about NT’s ever increasing debt.

“The Territory faces an extremely difficult time in the immediate future and the NT Government needs to be investing in ensuring local jobs survive the economic crisis,” he said.

“Our investments need to be targeted, of long-term benefit and provide income for Territory workers and businesses.”

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Territory Alliance would also extend the government’s recreational fishing grants, which fund smaller community-initiated projects, by $1.5m a year over the forward estimates.

The CLP announced it would “safeguard” recreational fishing on Monday.

Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro said an elected CLP government would fast-track the realignment and upgrade of Point Stuart Road to allow better access to the boat ramp, aiding in the growth of fishing tourism in the area.

She said her government would ensure regular maintenance of Dundee Boat Ramp to prevent the build-up of sediment while continuing barramundi stocking and exploring the feasibility of expansion.