Minister for Fisheries, Kon Vatskalis, officially opened the rebuilt $4 million state of the art Palmerston boat ramp and land based fishing platform on the Elizabeth River.

Mr Vatskalis said the new ramp is a major improvement for Territory anglers and delivers on the Henderson Government’s election commitment to improve recreational fishing infrastructure.

“Fishing is a major part of the Territory lifestyle attracting many thousands of visitors to our Top End waterways each year and this new facility will give people the chance to get on and off the water quicker and easier, as well as provide a decent land based facility to cast off from,” Mr Vatskalis said.

“The new facility includes a land based fishing jetty, fish cleaning area, floating pontoon, wider boat ramps, disability access ramp, toilet block and a secure car and trailer parking area.”

“I’d like to thank anglers, the Palmerston Game Fishing Club, AFANT and the Palmerston City Council for their input during the planning of this facility.

The opening of the boat ramp also coincided with the opening of the Territory’s barramundi season for commercial and recreational anglers visiting the lower reaches of the Mary (Shady Camp) and Daly Rivers.

“I urge recreational fishers to make themselves fully aware of changes to the Northern Territory’s possession limits that take effect from today,” Mr Vatskalis said.

“These changes ensure anglers will continue to experience world class sports fishing on their doorstep in the Daly and Mary River systems. As a result of successful management in the Mary zone, the limit has been raised from two to three.”

“In the Daly zone, the barramundi personal possession limit has been reduced from five to three; at the same time,” Mr Vatskalis said.

More information on the possession limit changes can be found at Department of Resources - Fisheries.