Fishing will now be an easier task for people of all abilities with the delivery of an all-accessible fishing pontoon at Lake Wallace on Tuesday, April 20.
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The installation of the platform is under way by boat docking experts business, DockPro.
Funding for the pontoon comes under the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust grant which was announced in September, 2020 by Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall.
Wallerawang Central Acclimatisation Society secretary Ray Tang said the initiative will be the first of its kind for inland NSW allowing greater water access opportunities for wheelchair-bound fisherman.
"It's a project to allow everybody of all mobilities to have access to recreational fishing," he said.
He said a number of the Wallerawang fishing society's members were either in wheelchairs or faced mobility difficulties which have prevented them from shore fishing.
With the help of Council, it was decided a modular floating platform made of interlocked and anchored floating blocks, and non-slip vinyl matting and guard rails would be the most suitable option.
The platform, being the first of its kind in inland NSW constructed solely for recreational fishing, will extend around 30 metres off shore. It can also be relocated due to being a modular floating system.
"We hope to program a formal opening of the platform once all installation has been finalised for the near future," Mr Tang said.
He said after its installation it will still be off limits to the public until further ground works are completed for public safety.
Cr Thompson said it was an exciting project and Mr Tang and his group had been very active in promoting Lake Wallace as a fishing destination.
"I'm pleased that it is going to be an even better fishing location for the increasing number of locals and visitors who go there, especially older people and people living with a disability."
This is a collaboration project with the following supporters:
- Dept. Primary Industries (Fisheries NSW)
- Lithgow City Council
- Mineworkers Trust
- EnergyAustralia
- South Western District and the Springvale Lodge
- Wallerawang branch of the Central Acclimatisation Society
- DockPro
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