Fish on the table as Labor and Libs promise cash splash
Labor has committed millions to expand recreational fishing access at some of SA’s most popular reservoirs, while the Liberals dangle some bait for the state’s seafood sector.
Recreational fishers would enjoy increased access to Myponga and Tod reservoir reserves, after the Malinauskas Labor government today made a $4.35 million commitment for their expansion.
Housing and Urban Development Minister Nick Champion MP said that up to $3.5 million would go towards Myponga Reservoir Reserve on the Fleurieu Peninsula to improve infrastructure and make fishing in deeper locations easier.
This would include access roads, carparking, a kayak launch area, fencing, stormwater management, signage, toilets and other amenities.
Myponga reservoir would also be stocked with 10,000 to 20,000 native freshwater fish, subject to standard approvals, in addition to the 50,000 fish confirmed to be stocked at Myponga in the summer of 2026-27.
Champion said about $850,000 would be invested in upgrades at Tod Reservoir Reserve to enable recreational fishing for the first time and make activities like bushwalking, cycling, kayaking and bird watching easier.
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This includes construction of a fishing hub, a two-kilometre shoreline loop trail and improved visitor safety.
Meanwhile, a fish stocking initiative at Tod reservoir would aim to make it a prime destination for anglers.
“Reservoir reserves serve as both a key destination for outdoor recreation across South Australia and the backbone of our state’s vital water supply,” Champion said.
“This investment will make the Myponga and Tod Reservoirs easier and safer to access for people to enjoy all the benefits that come with being outdoors.
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“On top of this, it will make the Myponga and Tod Reservoirs destinations for fishers across South Australia.”
Today’s announcement comes as the SA Liberals make their own election commitment of $12 million towards the renewal of Port Lincoln Marina Commercial Service Wharf.
Opposition Leader Ashton Hurn said the wharf was “integral” to maintaining Port Lincoln’s reputation as one of Australia’s “premier seafood ports” and is in “desperate need of upgrading”.
“South Australians are immensely proud of our reputation for having incredible produce, and Port Lincoln seafood is some of the absolute best we have to offer,” she said.
“It is vital that this renewal project gets underway so that the wharf can continue to support our fishing and aquaculture industries, which have been doing it tough lately.
“A thriving seafood industry is the lifeblood of this region and an economic powerhouse of our state.”
Flinders MP Sam Telfer said the wharf is more than 40 years old and is a “critical asset” for the region’s seafood and fishing industries.
“Almost all of our commercial fishing industry here in Port Lincoln relies on the Service Wharf, which is why I am proud to support this vital project,” he said.
“From tuna, sardine and kingfish, to prawn, mussel, abalone and lobster, the Wharf is vital to getting our product from the ocean to the plate.”
