Charles Sturt Council backs fishing at Freshwater Lake on Delfin Island, West Lakes

The local council has made a decision around fishing rules at a popular lake in Adelaide’s west after a group of adults clashed with teens in April.

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Fishing will continue at a popular freshwater lake in Adelaide’s west after elected members voted against a ban on the at the site.

The recreational activity at Freshwater Lake at Delfin Island has been the subject of controversy, with some residents lobbying Charles Sturt Council to ban fishing at the site due to concerns for the safety of wildlife, littering and other unwanted behaviour.

The issue gained further attention this month after a video showing several adults threatening and intimidating a group of young, teenage boys fishing at the West Lakes pond went viral.

The incident sparked a flood of support for the teenagers, with many calling for fishing to remain at the lake.

Young fishos Kiron Roberts, Bailey Garland, Alexander Brolese, Matthew Brennan, Emilio Visentin and Fraser Ellis are gifted fishing gear from Recfish SA CEO Asher Dezsery at Delfin Island. Picture: Emma Brasier

Under the current by-law, fishing at the artificial lake is allowed as long as anglers keep at least 6m away from private property.

On Monday, elected members voted against a total ban on fishing at the lake.

Charles Sturt chief executive Paul Sutton said council reached a “really good outcome” that would allow the lake to be used for recreational purposes.

“We recognise that there are some members of the community that would just like no fishing there,” he said.

“While that’s their position, we need to think about the broader community and what that does for everyone.”

Following the viral clash between a group of adults and teenagers, Mr Sutton said “I don’t think anyone would be anything other than embarrassed if that was themselves and I’m sure in hindsight they recognise that as well”.

“We really want to have a harmonious community,” he said.

“We’ll be working to educate fishers and we’ll also be working with the community that resides around there to make sure they’re sensitive and accommodating to those people that want to come in and use the lake as well.”

Recfish SA CEO Asher Dezsery, who gave a deputation in favour of fishing at the lake, said welcomed council’s decision.

Instead of banning the activity, Recfish SA will work with council to create an educational program around respectful use of the lake.

“That includes respecting local residents and choosing appropriate baits so you don’t interact with wildlife, basic understanding of disposal of rubbish and tackle,” he said.

“Ultimately we want to create a culture of care and environmental stewardship with all users of waterway.”

Mr Dezsery added a large portion of recreational fishers purchased property in West Lakes for the lifestyle and fishing opportunities.

Council has received more than 45 concerns about issues including the safety of wildlife, littering and damage to vegetation from 17 people since 2023.

A sign asking people to not fish within 6m of property. Picture: Kelly Barnes

Local Paul Paparella said residents still “probably have some concerns” but “that’s what the council has ruled so that’s what it is”.

He said council had been leaving it to the residents “to police any issues” but added “it’s all quieted down” since this month’s altercation between the teenagers and adults, which he said he was not involved in.

Ahead of the decision, council said enforcing a ban would be challenging and would unlikely to have an impact on issues raised by residents.

Furthermore, the council said it would not be able to fine children under the age of 16 and the majority of concerns involved minors.

Originally published as Charles Sturt Council backs fishing at Freshwater Lake on Delfin Island, West Lakes