From the Department of Primary Industries

Tuesday, April 8 2008

BAN EXTENDED ON TAKING TIMBER FROM LAKES

A ban on taking timber from 21 drought affected waters in Victoria, to protect valuable woody habitat for native fish species, has been extended until March 2009, Fisheries Victoria Acting Executive Director Jon Presser said today.

“The ban prevents people from taking or damaging timber that is below the high water mark in a selection of lakes and reservoirs across Victoria.

“The ban aims to protect woody habitat that as a result of the drought has been left exposed on the banks of many lakes and reservoirs,” Mr Presser said.

“Many people are collecting firewood at this time of the year and it is important that timber in these lakes and reservoirs is not removed or damaged.

“When water levels increase these logs and dead trees will provide valuable habitat and shelter for a wide variety of freshwater species including Murray cod, golden perch and redfin.

“Fisheries Victoria has put considerable work into ensuring the recovery of native fish stock
numbers in inland waters in Victoria through annual fish stocking and catch limits. However,
protecting the habitat of native fish species is also vital.”

Mr Presser said the penalty for taking woody habitat could include fines of up to $2000.
Anyone who suspects illegal fishing activity or the removal of wood from these lakes and
reservoirs can call the fisheries offence reporting line on 13 FISH (13 3474).

The ban applies to the following waters:

Lake Eildon Lake Lonsdale
Lake Eppalock Dock Lake
Cairn Curran Reservoir Taylors Lake
Lake Mokoan Laanecoorie Reservoir
Lake Hume Rockland Reservoir
Pine Lake Tullaroop Reservoir
Jil Jil Lake Toolondo Reservoir
Bellfield Reservoir Lake Glenmaggie
Green Lake Lake Batyo Catyo
Lake Fyans Booroopki Swamp
Lake Nillahcootie