Media release From the Minister for Responsible for Fisheries Monday, 22 June, 2009 BRUMBY GOVERNMENT BACKS SNOBS CREEK FOR NEW FISH PRODUCTION FACILITY The Brumby Government will look at making Snobs Creek the home of a new $1.3 million native fish production facility for northern Victoria. Minister Responsible for Fisheries Joe Helper said the new facility, a 2006 election commitment, would boost jobs in the region. "The Brumby Government is taking action to enhance recreational fishing opportunities for all Victorians and creating jobs in rural and regional Victoria," Mr Helper said. "Snobs Creek is the preferred choice to receive the redevelopment and upgrade of existing facilities given its accessibility to water, generally chemical free catchment and soil that is suitable for pond construction. Work is currently underway to finalise relevant planning arrangements and to produce a detailed plan that will then be used to begin construction on the $1.3 million facility which will be completed in 2010. "Building the new native fish production facility at Snobs Creek will, strengthen overall fish production capabilities by giving Fisheries Victoria an 'in house' native fish production capacity. Currently the majority of native fish are sourced from external private providers. "The new native fish production facility will complement the existing trout production work already taking place at Snobs Creek." Member for Seymour Ben Hardman MP said he had strongly advocated for the native fish production facility to be built at Snobs Creek. "North East Victoria is a popular destination for recreational anglers and the new native fish facility at Snobs Creek will assist in building on this reputation," Mr Hardman said. "It is welcome news for the local community and an investment in the region in the wake of the devastating February bushfires." Fisheries Victoria Acting Executive Director Anthony Hurst said despite ongoing drought and low water levels, Fisheries Victoria would stock 1.5 million fish into Victorian waters this year. "The adoption of new technology and improved fish production facilities will increase our ability to stock higher numbers of golden perch, Murray cod and other native species into Victoria's lakes and rivers," Mr Hurst said. "Snobs Creek would be an ideal location for the new facility given its long history of producing fish for Victorian anglers and since the 1950's the facility has consistently produced large numbers of quality fish for stocking into inland waters. "It will continue to produce large numbers of brown and rainbow trout and Chinook salmon but will also increase its capacity to produce Murray cod, golden perch and other native species.