VRFISH is the peak body representing the voice of recreational fishing in Victoria. advocate for recreational fishing interests.<\/p>\n
Whether it\u2019s fish habitat, water security and quality, fishing access and infrastructure or best practice, it aims to work in partnership to make sure Victoria\u2019s fishing experiences continue to improve, be sustainable and more enjoyable for all Victorians.<\/p>\n
Ahead of the 2026 Victorian election, VRFish have developed the following list of priorities now to make fishing better in Victoria.<\/p>\n
Better fish<\/strong><\/p>\n $10 million to establish Victoria\u2019s first Estuarine Fish Hatchery, growing estuary perch, Australian bass, mulloway and flathead.<\/p>\n $10 million to modernise trout production facilities at Snobs Creek Hatchery.<\/p>\n Better access<\/strong><\/p>\n Mandate recreational fishing access to all urban waters throughout Victoria, including Edwards Park Lake and Newport Lakes.<\/p>\n Develop new inland fisheries close to Melbourne by opening Yan Yean Reservoir, Merrimu Reservoir and Djerriwarrh Reservoir to recreational fishing.<\/p>\n Roads to rivers: Provide additional funding to improve crown land access to public water, by activating \u2018unused road reserves.<\/p>\n Continue to deliver priorities from the Victorian Recreational Boating Strategy.<\/p>\n Better environment<\/strong><\/p>\n $2.5 million fish habitat fund, for the delivery of marine and inland habitat restoration projects.<\/p>\n Carp Diem: support carp control measures.<\/p>\n Water Security: protect the recreational fishery on the Wimmera-Mallee pipeline by allocating recreational water for recreational fishing.<\/p>\n Native Fish Recovery: broaden the 10 in 10 endangered fish species recovery programs, with additional funding for research and monitoring.<\/p>\n Better regulations<\/strong><\/p>\n Kingfish Capital: Make kingfish a recreational only species in Victoria<\/p>\n Review recreational abalone regulations, with a view to provide more equitable access in \u2018Victorian Central Waters\u2019.<\/p>\n Better future<\/p>\n Secure the future of VRFish as the peak body, by extending the funding agreement to five-year terms.<\/p>\n Provide VRFish $100,000 to deliver two emerging leader courses in 2027 and 2029.<\/p>\n Support fishing clubs through a $2,000 \u2018Stronger Fishing Club Grants\u2019 program.<\/p>\n Empower the next generation of fishers through continuing to deliver the Little Angler kits<\/p>\n My Comment<\/strong><\/p>\n I\u2019d really like to hear from anglers if they feel VRFish, in their opinion, have got it right and you agree with their priorities.<\/p>\n If you see or suspect any illegal fishing in Victoria, phone the 24\/7 reporting service 13 FISH (13 34 74), to speak directly to a Fisheries officer. You can remain anonymous.<\/p>\n