Have your say on new fishing jetty for East Point Reserve

4 June 2024

The Lawler Labor Government is making the Territory’s favourite pastime even better, with a $19.8 million investment in Budget 2024 for more recreational fishing infrastructure in the Top End.

Today, consultation has opened on a new proposed fishing jetty at Dudley Point, located at the end of East Point, one of the Darwin’s largest reserves.

Building a fishing jetty at Dudley Point will provide safe land-based access to deeper water for anglers over a greater tidal range – and will mean better accessibility for families, young people and people with a disability.

As part of the 10 year Recreational Fishing Development Plan 2023-2033, which guides the Territory’s recreational fishing sector over the next decade, a big priority is developing more fishing infrastructure and experiences.

Budget 2024 is investing $6.4 million in upgrades at the Dundee Beach Boat Ramp to reduce sand build-up and reduce ongoing maintenance, with the project due for completion at the end of 2024.

Works include installation of a walkway fishing jetty, a concrete pathway and a fishing platform along the top of the groyne. The walkway and platform will allow for land-based fishing and the new jetty will enable short-term mooring.

Other recreational fishing infrastructure projects recently completed or underway in the Top End include:

o  Upgrades now completed to the Daly River Boat Ramp including repairs to the boat ramp to provide safe boat launching at low river levels, a new car park, a passenger loading platform to provide easy access for people of all abilities and an ablution facility.

o  Upgrades to more than 12 km of the Point Stuart Access Road to improve access to some of the Territory’s best runoff fishing locations in the Mary and Wildman River regions.

o  Installation of Variable Message Boards at Dinah Beach, Elizabeth River and East Arm boat ramps to improve safety messaging to boat users in the harbour.

o  Detailed design of disability access ramps at Dinah Beach, Shady Camp and Corroborree boat ramps currently underway.

o  A condition assessment of all NT Government boat ramps is underway to identify the next upgrades to meet current usage and standards.

Community consultation on the proposed jetty at Dudley Point, East Point Reserve closes 2 July 2024 and all stakeholders and community members are invited to learn more and have their say by visiting haveyoursay.nt.gov.au

To find out more about recreational fishing visit nt.gov.au/marine/recreational-fishing

Quotes attributable to Minister for Recreational Fishing, Joel Bowden:

“We’re investing in Dudley Point, which is already a popular fishing spot with some of the best tides for recreational fishing.

“Enhancing our fishing infrastructure with a new fishing jetty that will providing land-based access will ensure everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the Territory’s world-class fishing opportunities.

“Recreational fishing is a significant draw card for tourists to the Territory and a beloved pastime for Territorians, with the sector generating $144 million directly and a further $126 million in indirect activity each year.

Quotes attributable to Member for Fannie Bay Brent Potter:

“I greatly encourage the residents of Fannie Bay and all interested stakeholders to have their say on the proposed fishing jetty at Dudley Point, investment in our liveability is vital and together with the community I want to see Fannie Bay grow sustainably for everyone.”

Quotes attributable to AFANT President, Warren de With:

"We are thrilled that this long-awaited project seems one step closer now that the public consultation is open. We encourage everyone, fishers and non-fishers to show their support through the government’s Have Your Say website.

“AFANT has surveyed hundreds of land-based fishers, and 82% told us they would go fishing more often if additional, or improved, land-based fishing options were on offer around Darwin.

“Jetties are a hugely popular attraction. You only need to look at the Nightcliff foreshore for evidence of this. Jetties are for everyone, and everyone loves a jetty!”

Ends

Northern Territory Government