Afant News
NIGHTCLIFF BOAT RAMP RECEIVES SAFETY UPGRADE
July 13, 2005 on 1:18 pm | In Fishy News | Comments OffNORTHERN TERRITORY GOVERNMENT MEDIA RELEASE
Dr Chris Burns
MINISTER FOR INFRASTRUCTURE & TRANSPORT
13 July 2005
NIGHTCLIFF BOAT RAMP RECEIVES SAFETY UPGRADE
The Government has completed works to improve safety for users of Nightcliff’s boat ramp.
The existing rock wall, or groyne, which shelters the launching area from wave action, has been extended approximately 50 metres landwards to provide complete protection for the boat ramp.
Previously, there was a gap which allowed 70%-80% of tides to splash through on to the ramp, making boat launching and retrieval difficult.
Local company Ostojic Transport Pty Ltd was awarded the $134,805 contract earlier this month, and completed the work yesterday.
Infrastructure Minister Dr Chris Burns said the Martin Government placed a priority on improving facilities for recreational fishermen.
“We are committed to spending $2 million over the next four years on recreational fishing infrastructure, as well as building a new boat ramp at Hudson Creek in Darwin Harbour,” Dr Burns said.
Dr Burns said work has started on raising the level of the boat ramp at Mandorah, which has been plagued by silting problems. The $97,280 contract has been awarded to B&J Easy Grader Hire.
Meanwhile, at Borroloola, work has begun on upgrading the ramp at Rocky Creek, including improvements to access. At Mule Creek near Bing Bong, construction of a new boat ramp is about to start.
The Northern Territory Government maintains 24 boat ramps located across the Territory, as well as platforms, wharves, jetties and artificial reefs that support recreational fishing.
Contact: James Hook 0401 119 592
NT MUDCRAB FISHERY UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT
July 5, 2005 on 1:19 pm | In Fishy News | Comments OffNORTHERN TERRITORY GOVERNMENT MEDIA RELEASE
Kon Vatskalis
MINISTER FOR PRIMARY INDUSTRY AND FISHERIES
5 July 2005
NT MUDCRAB FISHERY UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT
Minister for Fisheries, Kon Vatskalis, expects to receive recommendations by the end of the week on the best way to combat the decline in catches in the commercial mud crab fishery.
Mr Vatskalis said the Mud Crab Advisory Committee (MAC) has been closely examining the issues affecting the future sustainability of the mud crab industry since November, and he now looks forward to receiving their final recommendations.
“Stakeholders in the fishery have spent many months considering measures to ensure the future viability of the industry,” said Mr Vatskalis.
“This action was prompted by reduced catches - mainly in the Gulf – by commercial operators over recent years. Overall, catches in the commercial mud crab fishery have declined from 1139 tonnes in 2001 to 425 tonnes in 2004. The average size of mud crabs in the commercial fishery catch has also declined.
“Those in the industry are aware that the fishery must continue to be managed in a sustainable manner. Current effort levels in the commercial mud crab fishery are being considered and will probably require some precautionary changes.”
The Minister has given the Mud Crab Advisory Committee (MAC) until COB this Thursday (7/07/2005) to report back with its recommendations.
“This has been a long and complex process involving scientists, recreational anglers, commercial fishermen and the NT Seafood Council, but I expect that we will soon be able to finalise management adjustments to the commercial fishery to ensure the future sustainability of the fishery,” said Mr Vatskalis.
(See attached file: vatskalis.0507.mudcrab.pdf)
NIKOLA LEKIAS
Media Adviser
Office of Kon Vatskalis MLA
5th Floor, Parliament House
Darwin NT 0801
P: +61 8 89014138
F: +61 8 89014134
E: nikola.lekias@nt.gov.au
GOVT CALLS TENDERS FOR LABELLE STOCK FENCE
July 5, 2005 on 1:18 pm | In Fishy News | Comments OffORTHERN TERRITORY GOVERNMENT MEDIA RELEASE
Dr Chris Burns
MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT & INFRASTRUCTURE
5 July 2005
GOVT CALLS TENDERS FOR LABELLE STOCK FENCE
The Government has called tenders for the supply and installation of a 48km stock fence along the public road through Labelle Downs Station, about 100km southwest of Darwin.
Transport and Infrastructure Minister Dr Chris Burns said access to the Bulgul and Channel Point communities via Labelle Downs Station had been a long-standing issue which is now nearing resolution.
“The Government declared a public road through Labelle Downs Station in January this year,” Dr Burns said.
“Part of that road is under construction. The contractor – C&S Earthmoving – should have the job finished by August.
“Government is now seeking tenders for the construction of a stock fence beside the road.
“The Government will also develop the Channel Point Reserve as part of its initiative to improve coastal access for recreational fishermen.”
The 250 hectare coastal reserve is located on the north-western side of Anson Bay, opposite the Peron Islands.
The Government has already allocated $620,000 to develop park infrastructure, including a boat launching facility, campground, a road, parking and interpretive signage.
Dr Burns said access to the coastal reserve will be via a permit system similar to that which exists for Coburg Peninsula.
Contact: James Hook 0401 119 592