Page 2414 - Week 08 - Tuesday, 17 August 1993
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MINISTER FOR URBAN SERVICES
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTION
QUESTION NO 796
Cotter Dam - Recreational Fishing
Mr Cornwell - asked the Minister for Urban Services:
(1) Has consideration been given to opening the Cotter Dam for recreational fishing; if so, what decision was reached and why was this decision so reached.
Mr Connolly - the answer to the Members question is as follows:
(1) Consideration has been given to opening the Cotter Dam for recreational fishing. Taken into consideration were:
the need to protect endangered and other threatened populations of native fish species; the poor quality of the area as a recreational trout fishery;
the detrimental impact that fishing activities would have on water quality of the Reservoir which is part of Canberras potable water supply;
health problems associated with contamination from the inevitable increases in the faecal and garbage loads within the catchment;
the threat to life, safety and the ACTs substantial economic investment in timber plantations in the area from increased risk of fire in an area which has limited access;
safety problems posed by steep banks which slope into extremely cold and deep water;
the high cost of managing the fishery and increasing the enforcement of angling restrictions; providing and maintaining facilities and access to the area; and management of the increased visitation to the area.
After consultation with relevant members of the public and ACT Government Service agencies the Government decided that the Cotter Reservoir should not be opened for recreational fishing.
The Government recognises the importance of fishing both as a recreational pastime for members of the Canberra community and as a potential generator of tourism. On this note, the Government will continue to promote recreational fishing and many of the waters in the ACT will continue to be managed as mixed recreational fisheries for all anglers.
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