One of Katherine's best kept secrets is a secret no longer.
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Fishos have long kept private one of the Katherine River’s best fishing spots.
One of the reasons is the location is notoriously difficult to get to.
But armed with $100,000 from the NT Government, local anglers aim to build a road to the spot.
As well they have negotiated access to the spot, known as “50K hole”, through Manbulloo station.
The grant was given to the Amateur Fisherman’s Association NT to construct an access route to 50K Hole.
The proposed access route will pass through Manbulloo Station, and AFANT and the station leasee, Consolidated Pastoral Company, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to allow construction of the route and secure access.
50K Hole is located approximately 50km south-west of Katherine and public access to the site will be guided by a Code of Conduct developed by AFANT in consultation with CPC.
Primary Industry and Resources Minister Ken Vowles said: “The new Recreational Fishing Grants scheme was established to help eligible organisations apply for funding for projects to help grow the recreational fishing sector and create jobs.
“We put aside $1 million for grants over two years, and already this year we’ve seen AFANT, Darwin Game Fishing Club and Palmerston Game Fishing Club receive grants to hold community fishing events.
“This latest grant will add an extra fishing destination to the list of places where Territory fishos and fishing tourists can go to catch a barra – 50K Hole is recognised for its quality barra fishing.”
Katherine MLA Sandra Nelson said: “The Territory has some of the best fishing in the world, and creating access to more spots – especially spots brimming with barra – will cement that reputation.
“This new fishing destination will be an additional lure for people to visit and spend money in the Katherine region, which will support jobs in our town.”
AFANT executive officer, David Ciaravolo said: “Improving access options for recreational fishing is top priority for AFANT right across the Top End.
“We are pleased to have the support of the Northern Territory's Government and CPC for this exciting project along the Katherine River.
AFANT president, Warren de With said: “Improving access to fishing spots through pastoral lands has long been a focus for AFANT and we sincerely thank CPC for working so constructively with us to develop our proposal.
“This project is a big deal for fishing access in the Katherine region and there's a real buzz around it already.
“We've been thrilled to have local businesses and the Katherine Game Fishing Club get behind this.”
Also, the Urapunga Aboriginal Corporation has received a $100,000 fishing grant from the Government to install fishing facilities at a campsite the corporation is developing at Urapunga.
The grant will help create jobs in the remote community and support the growth of the recreational fishing sector.
Urapunga lies at the junction of the Wilton and Roper Rivers in Southern Arnhem Land, an area popular with recreational fishers.
The new campsite will include powered and unpowered sites, ablution blocks, boat hire, outdoor kitchens and tours.
The $100,000 Recreational Fishing Grant will be used to install facilities such as fish cleaning stations, designated camping for fishers, an upgraded boat ramp, undercover gas barbecues and solar-powered lighting bollards.
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