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WALLERAWANG’s Lake Wallace has received a boost in it’s bid to become an even more popular fishing spot.
Keen local angler and secretary of the Wallerawang Central Acclimatisation Society (CAS) Ray Tang has spent time fishing with some enthusiastic anglers who have disabilities ranging from paraplegic and quadriplegic and through these fishing trips realised that Lake Wallace had something special to offer.
Offering ease of access to anglers with a disability, Ray decided to get the ball rolling to boost Lake Wallace’s reputation as a destination for all anglers.
That enthusiasm has paid off, with Minister for Primary Industries, Land and Water Niall Blair and Minister for Disability Services John Ajaka making the trip to Wallerawang to announce that up to $200,000 will be invested to make it easier for anglers with a disability to access some of the state’s best fishing spots.
The partnership will involve $100,000 of direct funding for the development of specialised amenities and workshops to give anglers with a disability equal access to popular fishing spots.
A further $100,000 will be provided through the Recreational Fishing Trusts, in consultation with the Advisory Council on Recreational Fishing, for community groups and individuals across the state to make expressions of interest for funding for projects or programs that enhance fishing access for people with limited physical ability.
In collaboration with the announcement, Ray’s appeal for ex-brood stock trout from the Fisheries NSW Dutton Trout Hatchery was successful and over 70 fish were released with the help of Mr Blair and Mr Ajaka.
They were joined by other official guests including Member for Bathurst Paul Toole, Head of EnergyAustralia NSW Luke Welfare and Lithgow mayor Maree Statham.
Hamish Murray from Blacktown’s Independent Living Centre NSW was also on hand to help release the trout.
“Fishing is a great pastime that everyone should be able to enjoy, which is why this government is prioritising funding for programs like these that will provide improved conditions and access for anyone who wants to fish,” Mr Blair said.
Mr Ajaka said the NSW Government is committed to improving access to recreational fishing opportunities for all members of the community.
“This funding will be invested into targeted fishing clinics as well as infrastructure upgrades, such as new casting platforms and access ramps at some of our most popular angling sites,” Mr Ajaka said.
“We’re close to Sydney, the facilities are great and now there is hopefully a greater chance of bagging a big one,” Mr Toole said.
Mr Tang said the CAS is now more enthusiastic than ever to promote Wallerawang as a top fishing destination for all anglers, especially those with a disability.
Located only two hours west of the Sydney metropolitan area, Lake Wallace is a relaxed location where anglers of all ages, and also their dogs, are welcome.
There is ample access for both vehicles and push bikes, and established infrastructure includes toilets with disability access, family friendly facilities including a children’s playground, a motor home dump station, and much more.
Bait fishing is also permitted, unlike other waterways.