Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch will today present a petition to the Agriculture Minister which calls for a new Artificial Reef on the Central Coast.
Mr Crouch said hundreds of recreational fishers, spearfishers, commercial operators and local residents had demonstrated their support by signing the petition.
“Other regional areas like Merimbula and the Tweed Heads already have an Artificial Reef, and I don’t want the Central Coast to miss this opportunity,” Mr Crouch said.
“The ex-HMAS Adelaide Artificial Reef off Avoca Beach is quite rightly designated a marine reserve, but I want to ensure that local fishers have a similar type of reef to enjoy.
“We know that approximately one in four Central Coast residents hold a recreational fishing licence, which is why fishing is such an integral part of our community’s lifestyle and economy.
“I am now calling on the Agriculture Minister to positively respond to my petition by providing an Artificial Reef for our section of NSW coastline.”
The Department of Primary Industries has been receiving expressions of interest for new Artificial Reef locations, and will now conduct an ecological, biological and socio-economic evaluation of potential reef locations on the NSW coastline.