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Work set to start on new tourist road for the Fitzgerald River National Park

Submitted by Colin Hay on Fri, 2009-11-06 12:58

The State Government will start work on a new road to improve access to tourist sites in the Fitzgerald River National Park by the end of January next year

The State Government has committed $20million to the project, with a request for matched funding from the Federal Government, to help deliver the significant project, improving tourist access from the western and eastern ends to the Fitzgerald River National Park.

Premier Colin Barnett made the announcement today in Ravensthorpe.

The State’s $20million will cover the full length of the road from Hopetoun to Hamersley Inlet and associated car-parks, day visit facility upgrades (lookouts, barbecues, shelters and walkways) and camping facilities at Hamersley Inlet.

A tourist walk trail will also be developed as part of the project.

Construction is planned to start in January from the Hamersley Inlet section commencing at the end of the currently sealed track. It is intended that at least five kilometres of road will be built this summer, dependent on the length of the dry season.

The project includes the reconstruction and sealing of existing roads including Hamersley Drive (from Hopetoun to Hamersley Inlet) and Bremer Bay to Point Ann - which will proceed when Federal funding is confirmed. Works will be undertaken by Main Roads directly engaging local contractors.

Construction along the route from Hopetoun to Hamersley Inlet and all end point facilities is expected to be completed by mid-2011.

Mr Barnett said the sealed road would be a boost to the region’s tourism industry and benefit communities that had been badly affected by the economic slowdown.

“In the wake of BHP Billiton’s decision in January to close its Ravensthorpe nickel operations, the Liberal-National Government stepped in to support the community with a protection package for local services like health and education and to provide grant assistance to local businesses,” the Premier said.

“As well as this, we pledged to improve access from the western and eastern ends to tourists sites in the Fitzgerald River National Park. The State Government is delivering on that commitment to the benefit of families and businesses in the region.”

Tourism Minister Elizabeth Constable said the road would increase the tourist appeal of areas previously difficult to reach.

“One of the limiting factors to the popularity of Hopetoun as a tourist destination is the lack of road access to the Fitzgerald River National Park,” Dr Constable said.

“This project will go a long way to encouraging the expansion of the tourism industry in Hopetoun.”

Environment Minister Donna Faragher said the proposed road works, which had received Federal environmental approval, would eliminate the need for people to use tracks which were disturbing the biodiversity of the area.

“The park has a high concentration of flora and fauna, many of which are threatened species and as well as avoiding disturbance to the area’s biodiversity, controlled access to the Park may also help in managing dieback,” Mrs Faragher said.

Premier's office - 9222 9475


What is your favourite King George Whiting rig and bait

Submitted by Colin Hay on Fri, 2009-11-06 12:41

With a lot of members now focussing their efforts on the capture of King George Whiting, I was thinking that some of those new to chasing this tasty species may like to know what are the best rigs and baits to target them with.

All the best, Colin Hay


bremer bay

Submitted by yellow and black on Fri, 2009-11-06 11:28

went down to bremer a couple of weeks ago to check it out .all good ,great ramp fac, good affordable accom and pub measures up well if your looking to boat fishing is good lots of nani & big blackass plus others ,giant sqid in port .but you need a good size boat as seas can be washing machine like and the backwash from the cliffs is not nice i run a kevlacat 2400 and would not like to be in anything under 6.5m unless a real good day.good luck


Media response - Compo for fishing charter boat operators

Submitted by Colin Hay on Fri, 2009-11-06 10:54

Sorry I missed this release from last week.

Subject: Compo for fishing charter boat operators

Questions:
Can you please confirm how many charter boat licenses were issued for this season?

The charter operators feel they were not listened to when it came to imposing a ban. They suggested being able to fish two days per week, but was rejected by the minister. Is this true?

Would the minister consider an assistance package for these fishermen who have been put out of work for these two months? They are suggesting $2 million between them.

What other fish are the operators allowed to catch without restrictions?

Minister's response:

“Some of these questions, such as how many charter boat licences have been issued for this season and what fish charter boat operators are allowed to catch are of a technical and/or operational nature and better directed to the Department of Fisheries.

“The charter boat industry had extensive opportunity to respond to the proposed management changes to the recreational fishing laws and to present its preferred options.

“Changes had been flagged for some time and indeed the previous Labor Minister for Fisheries, Jon Ford, had a package proposing a four-month closure to fishing for high-risk demersal species.

“I was presented with a range of options to manage the recreational fishing sector in a responsible manner that would ensure the long-term sustainability and viability of the fishery.

“The bottom line is that all the research and expert advice I have received indicates that unless there is a 50 per cent reduction in the catch, the fishery is at risk of collapse.

“I have taken action to balance as many of the competing interests as I can while keeping my eye on the overall goal of achieving the 50 per cent catch reduction that is urgently required.

“During the consultation period, charter boat operators suggested many options, including fishing for two days a week.

“Fishing tour operators face some specific challenges and these are addressed in the boat limit for dhufish on charter vessels and the charter fishing licence. I do not intend to go down the path of compensation. Everyone needs to do their part to ensure the sustainability of our fish resources.

“These measures are aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability of demersal scalefish while minimising the impact of the closed season on key holiday periods.

“I emphasise, the two-month closure only (ONLY) relates to fishing for specific demersal species. It does not prohibit fishing for other species or other activities carried out by charter boat operators.

Minister's office: 9422 3000


M

Submitted by adamsmith84 on Thu, 2009-11-05 22:28

 .


Saltwater charters- were you onboard today 5th Nov

Submitted by Salmo on Thu, 2009-11-05 22:10

interested to have a chat to anyone on board Saltwater Charters today...Thursday 5th November.

 

did you catch many skippy?

 

Cheers


whale carcus stuck on reef

Submitted by wayneleech on Thu, 2009-11-05 20:29

whats the go with a whale carcus stuck on a reef off alkimos?  Is it still there?  Was thinking of diving that area on weekend:(


Carnarvon jetty fishing report

Submitted by carnarvonite on Thu, 2009-11-05 19:51

Had a mate up here for a few days after he pit crewed for the Gassy Dash so on the Monday we went for a spin over to the river mouth,resulting in 2 hours of tossing bits of metal round for not even a chase let alone a strike!

Motored out to the barge ,dropped anchor and for the next hour and a half all we got were a couple of nibbles from fish smaller than baby poddy whiting ,they felt so small.So up stakes and home.While we were at the ramp 3 blokes in a big tinnypulled in,they had 2 good size mulloway to show off caught out near the end of the jetty.

Come Tuesday it was off to the jetty,I started off with a just undersized pinky and a 54cm one just after.We nearly got wet by a shark doing a massive splash not ten feet from the boat and another one not 15 minutes later 30 feet away.It looked like a big bronzie around 10-11 foot.Leon got in the act by getting 2 big nor west blowies and me getting a shark mackie of some 60cm.Change of tactics,we started baitcasting whole mulies resuting in some 8-10 shark macks coming in and only 3 being kept for an old mate back in the park.We even donated the size pinky to an old couple who were fishing not far away with not a fish coming on board their tinny.Not a mulloway to be seen but who cares we had a line in the water and thats all that mattered.

Had a quick look at the jetty repairs today and it looks like it won't be too long before the gap is closed and jetty re opened.Keep tuned and I will let you all know when it happens

sorry no shots turned out,all over exposed---i think Leon may have sabotaged them because he was in most holding up blowies and a couple of big catfish HaHa


Fishing Five Fathom Bank

Submitted by adamsmith84 on Thu, 2009-11-05 19:19

Does any one know of any good fishing spots near on on five fathom bank besides casuarina shoal or coventry reef?


Whitehills Tips / Reports

Submitted by Craggles on Thu, 2009-11-05 16:12

Afternoon all,

 

It's likely I'll be doing an all nighter at whitehills this weekend and was wondering if anyone had been there recently, anyone had any luck?

Last time I was there I got told to head about 10km south of the main enterance, anyone got any other suggestions of where to go down there?

 

Cheers


"the danger is in your mind" - unquote

Submitted by bod on Thu, 2009-11-05 14:46

Smile!

By Mail Foreign Service 3/11/09


shark

The 14ft great white was snapped off the coast of Guadalupe island, Mexico, by scuba diver Amos Nachoum in August.

Daredevil Amos regularly swims with the monsters and even takes divers on expeditions to meet them.

The 59-year-old boasted: ‘I have a 100 per cent safety record.

'These sharks aren’t the ferocious creatures we see in Jaws.

‘The danger is in your mind.’

Nevertheless, the image is a little too close to the jaws of death for most people's comfort.

Fortunately sharks are believed to be short-sighted.

Scientists have claimed that attacks on humans are usually a case of mistaken identity.

 
Who's smiling now? The shark seemingly tires of posing

Who's smiling now? The shark seemingly tires of posing


AQWA Hillarys tonight 7pm

Submitted by bod on Thu, 2009-11-05 12:17

Concerns over WA marine stress
Edited from The West Australian November 5, 2009, 9:32 am

UWA marine scientist Jessica Meeuwig will tonight screen a documentary on the impacts of over-fishing in WA coastal communities.

The End Of The Line screening has been organised by the Save Our Marine Life alliance, which is urging the federal government to establish a network of large marine sanctuaries to provide safe havens for WA marine life.

Professor Meeuwig said the health of WA's marine environment was under stress and there was a decline in fish numbers, particularly the big reef fish known as the Vulnerable 5 - pink and red snapper, WA dhufish, baldchin groper and breaksea cod.

The event will begin at 7pm at AQWA at Hillarys Boat Harbour. Tickets are available at AQWA.


it's the same story everywhere

Submitted by bod on Thu, 2009-11-05 11:32

Hong Kong's seas warn of looming tragedy


AFP


A woman sitting at a weighing counter as fish are prepared for transport from the Aberdeen fish market in Hong Kong to restaurants around the southern Chinese territory, in September 2009. The live fish facing death in the glass tanks in Hong Kong s famous seafood restaurants tell a strange and haunting tale of a looming global tragedy.

AFP © 

HONG KONG (AFP) - The live fish facing death in the glass tanks in Hong Kong's famous seafood restaurants tell a strange and haunting tale of a looming global tragedy.

At the heart of their story is the bizarre fact that there are more fine fish swimming in the tiny tanks than there are in the surrounding sea.

Having overfished and polluted its own waters, Hong Kong now imports up to 90 percent of its seafood.

The problem with that, scientists say, is that Hong Kong is a microcosm of a marine disaster in which wild fish are being eaten out of existence worldwide.

"It is a sign of what is happening in most of the fisheries in the world," says Guillermo Moreno, head of global environment group WWF's marine programme in Hong Kong. "It's a scary panorama."

"Unless the current situation improves, stocks of all species currently fished for food are predicted to collapse by 2048," the WWF reports, quoting a controversial scientific survey.

Restaurateur Ben Chan Kin-Keung acknowledges that Hong Kong's waters no longer provide what his seafood-loving customers want, but says that is not a problem -- at the moment.

"It's very fast and convenient to import seafood around the globe either by plane or ship," he says.

But he knows the feast cannot last and says it is already becoming difficult to find fish in the quantities he requires.

"It's like people just want to eat the fish when they are not (even) born. I'm afraid that I may have to change my job in 10 years time."

Offshore from the restaurants, a lone trawler dredges the jade sea -- but bleak records show it is unlikely to bring up table-worthy fish.

"The average size of fish now caught in these bottom trawls is about 10 grammes" -- about one third of an ounce or the weight of a small coin -- Professor Yvonne Sadovy of Hong Kong University told AFP.

"To put this into some kind of context, Hong Kong was a famous fishing centre in the past and we had incredibly productive and species-rich ground fisheries."

WWF says that "Hong Kong waters were incredibly rich just decades ago with manta rays, hammerhead sharks, giant grouper and croakers taller than a man. In less than a lifetime Hong Kong has lost them all."

Sadovy, a marine scientist who has made a special study of Hong Kong's seas, says there are several reasons the local fisheries are in such a bad state.

High demand for seafood in the crowded city and a lack of regulation fuelled overfishing which combined with pollution and loss of habitat to push fish populations "well beyond their capacity to regenerate themselves," she said.

The scale of the pollution can be gauged a short boat ride away from the harbour-side diners enjoying their seafood, where a few pale-pink backs can be seen breaking the surface of the grey-green sea of the Pearl River Delta.

These are Hong Kong's famed pink dolphins, but the most surprising thing about the beautiful creatures is not their colour -- it's the fact that they are alive at all.

Flush the toilet in any of the high-rise apartments or offices housing Hong Kong's population of seven million people and it will likely go almost directly into the "Fragrant Harbour" -- Hong Kong's name in Cantonese.

Add to that the chemical effluent oozing down the Pearl River from thousands of frantically busy factories in mainland China and you have a "horrendous cocktail," says Sadovy.

A keen diver, Sadovy says she has seen fish deformed by the pollutants in Hong Kong's waters, and points out that many of them -- such as the heavy metals -- will poison the seas for years to come.

Eco-tourism group Hong Kong Dolphinwatch says that 450,000 cubic metres of raw, semi-processed sewage is dumped into the harbour every day -- enough to fill 200 Olympic-size swimming pools.

The water quality is "disgusting," says Dolphinwatch guide Janet Walker.   "I certainly wouldn't eat anything from this water. There's not much fish left here but what there is will be seriously contaminated -- mercury levels are very high, cadmium, various other heavy metals...," Walker told AFP.

First-born dolphin offspring tend to have a high mortality rate because they receive about a decade's-worth of accumulated toxins through their mother's milk, she said.

The poisons settle in fatty tissues as the mothers grow to sexual maturity and the first-born get the full dose, while later offspring from the same female will have much higher survival rates.

But WWF's Moreno points out that pollution of the oceans is a worldwide menace: "Catch a bluefin tuna out in the middle of the ocean and it will contain mercury," he says.

So overfishing must take most of the blame for the pitiful state of Hong Kong's fisheries -- just as it does for the collapse of cod fisheries in Europe and Canada and the threat to popular species globally.

"You see these fabulous big fish, colourful fish, plenty of them, in the seafood restaurants," said Sadovy.

"But most of those fish, in fact almost all of the fish you see in those tanks come from overseas."

They come from around the world -- the Pacific Ocean, the Indian Ocean, Southeast Asia's coral reefs.

"In the end we could view Hong Kong as a very good example of the direction we cannot risk taking if we want to be sure to have wild seafood available to us in the future," Sadovy said.

The Hong Kong government admitted in response to questions from AFP that its waters have been overfished and are badly polluted by sewage, and says it is working on plans to correct both problems.


FISHWRECKED JUNIOR LANDBASED FISHING COMPETITION

Submitted by Colin Hay on Thu, 2009-11-05 10:22

IT is on again. The renowned Fishwrecked Junior Landbased Fishing Competition. And this year we have some fabulous prizes thanks to the generous people at the Tackle Shack in Malaga and Mr Fishwrecked, Adam.
This year the competition will be run in a number of sections and in different stages.
With the “ban” on and some good landbased species such as Mulloway and Tailor on the bite at the moment, we have decided to stage the 20 and Under competition first. This will kick off from Saturday November 8 and run through to December 16.
There will be male and female sections, and the 20 and Under competition is open to junior Fishwrecked members aged between 20 and 14.
Competitors must have a photo of their capture (this is important as the best photo may decide the winner if two entries are similar).
Sorry to those anglers who like to chase the biteys, but the competition will not include shark and stingray captures.
The 13 and Under competition will be held from December 19 through to January 30, so you younger Fishwrecked members can take advantage of the school holidays.
There will be also male and female sections and the 13 and Under competition, which is obviosuly open to junior Fishwrecked members aged 13 and under
As above, competitors must have a photo of their capture and once again the competition will not include shark and stingray captures.
The Tackle Shack has kindly agreed to put up a great 7 foot Penn spinfisher rod and a $50 gift voucher for each section winner.
Fishwrecked will also present Fishwrecked shirts, hats or stickers as a prize for the most unusual legal capture in each section.
Please note: "A bonus prize will be awarded for the best picture of a capture that includes a Tackle Shack sticker in the photo."
So go for it all you Fishwrecked members- get out there and start making some great captures and taking some winning photos. And please remember to fish responsibly.
All the best, Colin Hay


tackle storage

Submitted by brenz on Thu, 2009-11-05 09:43

one thing i have never been able to achieve is finding a tackle storage system that makes me 100%satisfyed with it.
what do you guys use to keep your terminal tackle in for beach /lb style fishing i have a tackle store full of gear so it has to be big. i have just finished the lures and they took up 12 large plano tackle trays fully packed in there tight now im onto hooks/sinkers/swivels etc so any ideas would be great
cheers brenz


Pacific Composites - Rod Blank Help

Submitted by Stevef on Thu, 2009-11-05 08:52

Hi, A mate of mine recently gave me two Pacific Composite rod blanks labelled as M12, they are 5'9" long with a 19mm butt and a 3mm tip. I have searched to try and find out what the blanks are rated to, but have been unable to find anything out.

They are pretty sturdy blanks and my guess is that they would be rated to say 10-20lb. If so I am thinking that the blank might match up with an ABU7000 that I have loaded up with 20lb braid, which would make it a decent outfit for floating baits for pinkies etc

I have never built a rod before but is something that I would like to have a crack at so any info that anyone could provide in regard to the blanks capabilities and maybe even a guide to a build receipe would be appreciated.

Cheers Steve


Lancelin to Cervantes Rd news

Submitted by Colin Hay on Thu, 2009-11-05 08:31

New contract awarded for Indian Ocean Drive

Transport Minister Simon O’Brien today awarded B & J Catalano Pty Ltd the contract to provide basecourse material for Indian Ocean Drive, part of Lancelin-Cervantes Stage 2.

The $825,000 contract involves the supply, loading, carting and dumping of basecourse material, which will be used to construct approximately 7.5 kilometres of pavement at the project’s southern end.

Mr O’Brien said Lancelin-Cervantes Stage 2 would be built under direct management by Main Roads and involved the construction of a 55 kilometre stretch of road linking the two coastal towns.

“The southern end of the new road will connect with the end of Stage 1 at Ocean Farms Estate, approximately 10 kilometres north of Lancelin,” he said.

“The road follows the coast for a major portion of the route, before connecting with the existing Pinnacles Drive, about 10 kilometres south of Cervantes.”

Once completed in mid-2011, the Indian Ocean Drive will provide a direct link between Perth’s northern suburbs and the coastal town of Dongara, providing improved access to the many coastal communities in between.

The Minister said the contract was scheduled to start this month with work estimated to be completed in January next year.

“The new road is expected to be very popular with tourists, as it is much shorter than the current route via Brand Highway,” Mr O’Brien said.

Minister's office: 9213 6400


Bream on soft plastics? What action?

Submitted by kingston81 on Wed, 2009-11-04 21:23

Hi All,

Been browsing the site for a while, thought it was about time I put my first post up hit you lot up for some hints/tips!

Went down to Garrat St Bridge in Bayswater this evening trying to get some Bream on soft plastics.

Tried gulp grubs (motor oil colour) and minnows (pumpkinseed colour) and didn't even get a bite!

Eventually gave up and switched back to traditional bait. Got a decent bream on about my 3rd cast!

I don't think it's the placcies I was using, more the action I was applying to them.

Does anyone have any tips for me on this?

Was getting the placcies right in amongst the pylons but not even getting a touch at all.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 


Tips on Popper Fishing For GTS

Submitted by Coxy on Wed, 2009-11-04 17:44

Gidday guys,

 

At xmas im heading over to Tonga and my main goal is to cast some poppers for GTs and catch my first and more with any luck.

I havent done it before so any advise on tackle and poppers would be very handy.

I will be using a Jigging Master 8'6" 100-180gram popper rod with a shimano stella 20,000SW reel.

Im yet to spool the reel so any tips on which line would be great, what pound is the main thing do I need about 130lb ?

I have heaps of cheap poppers river2sea ones and stuff like that will they do they job or will they get smashed to bits ?

Any info would be very handy thanks for your time.

 

Cheers Coxy


deckie available for tommorow

Submitted by original teenage on Wed, 2009-11-04 17:06

im available for tommorow,will chip in fuel,bait etc,no problems.have own gear .not much experience but willing to learn,got my rst but waiting for it to be posted..pm welcomed:)


transom step/marlin board

Submitted by Ollie on Wed, 2009-11-04 16:47

My brother and i wanted to put either a step or platform on our 12ft Clark cutter. the main reason we want this is to allow us to climb in from the back rather than heaving ourselves over the gunwale. We were just interested in other opinions and to see what others have done with their dinghys.


It looks like a nice afternoon to be out fishing

Submitted by Colin Hay on Wed, 2009-11-04 15:45

www.clode.com/cam.html


King George Whitin

Submitted by DhuBoi on Wed, 2009-11-04 15:23

With the weather being quite nice yesterday me n the old man decided to head out to our deeper water king george whiting spot , with an unprogress morning we eventually managed to catch 3 King George Whting all over 50cm in length and the biggest being 56cm n thick as , it also had scarring on it from a bigger fish attemping to eat it on the way up overall a nice day on the water !


Whats the best charter you know of nation wide????

Submitted by flash as on Wed, 2009-11-04 13:56

 Looking for a bit of comfort and up to about a weeks fishing and relaxing!!!! Looking at next week or so


Saturday fish at pinaroo

Submitted by GrahamM on Wed, 2009-11-04 11:23

I will be heading down to Pinnaroo point Mid Saturday afternoon for a fish with the family. We will proberly stay till early evening the weather looks good for a family day at the beach with a fishing rod. all welcome to come and say hello


soft plastics Brands/shapes/jigheads/colours

Submitted by sarcasm0 on Wed, 2009-11-04 10:39

Ok, going to buy some tackle this afternoon and am after some advice.  I have never had any success on soft plastics or lures except in exmouth trolling bibbed lures. 

 I am heading down to Walpole on Saturday for a week of fishing.  What would people suggest for an array of soft plastics/jigheads for fishing the rivers and walpole inlet?  Also what soft plastics would you reccomend for bottom fishing.

 I think I want to spend less than $100 dollars and I need to get some other tackle too. But would like to have a small range of gear to try so am keen to know what others have had success with.

 

 


Barges

Submitted by luke george on Wed, 2009-11-04 09:51

Hey guys im looking at heading out to the barges on sunday to give the new expedition 6500 a crack but i cant find the coordinates for the life of me. Is anyone willing to PM me them or give me directions to a site which has them on it


what happened to the traveling lure?

Submitted by brenz on Tue, 2009-11-03 18:36

where did it go ? were any fish even caught on it?
brenz


Lancelin to Cervantees

Submitted by Carolyn on Tue, 2009-11-03 18:08

Hi all
Can anyone tell me if the new road is through from Lancelin to Cervantee. If not is it drivable ie gravel or dirt ?? 4WD access.


Sambo's & Salmon for off season entertainment?

Submitted by Justin Poole on Tue, 2009-11-03 16:46

Any one been chasing Sambo's this year?

Are there many around and where are they?

Could do with a bit of exercise during this off season..

Could anyone Pm me some of the common wrecks i can get to from Woodmans Point, as moved south of river now.

Also, Are there Salmon around this time of year? or do you have any other suggestions for some off season action...

Thanks

Justin