Whitsunday bags $1.5 million for barra and boating bonanza

Lake Proserpine is set to lure more visitors and hook 10 regional construction jobs, off the back of funding through Round 4 of the Palaszczuk Government’s successful $295 million Building our Regions (BoR) program.

The $3.15 million Lake Proserpine Barramundi Fishing and Recreational project is receiving $1.5 million from BoR, $653,008 from Whitsunday Regional Council, and $1 million from the Queensland and Commonwealth Government’s jointly funded Tourism Recovery Fund.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said the investment will help cement Lake Proserpine as one of Australia’s best barramundi fishing destinations.

“Lake Proserpine is undoubtedly one of Queensland’s finest fishing jewels and a big regional drawcard for local and visiting fishers,” Ms Gilbert said.

“However, the lake has untapped potential to be an international drawcard for anglers looking for the ultimate fishing experience, offering higher catch rates and larger median fish sizes than anywhere in Australia.”

“Fishing is the largest driver of domestic leisure tourism in Australia, and demand for fishing experiences has grown 36 per cent in the past three years.

“This project will help the Whitsunday region capture a greater share of this market, with the project including a pontoon, new carparks, toilets and showers, a washdown facility, walking and bike tracks, and upgrades to electricity.

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the site also offers opportunities for outdoor activities, potentially attracting a wider range of sporting and recreational enthusiasts.

“The improved infrastructure will entice more visitors to extend their stay and enjoy the mainland, rather than simply holidaying on the coast or islands,” Mr Dick said.

“With an airport and cruise ship port located around an hour’s drive away, Lake Proserpine also has a comparative advantage over many other fishing lakes in Australia.”

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Andrew Willcox said the funding will help put the Whitsunday region on the global fishing map.

“As a keen fisherman myself, I am thrilled the Queensland Government has recognised the beauty and potential of Lake Proserpine as Australia’s best impounded barramundi fishing destination,” Mr Willcox said. 

“The Building our Regions funding from the Queensland Government will provide the Whitsunday region with critical infrastructure to develop an ionic fishing experience that will support more jobs, bolster our tourism offerings, and provide economic benefits across our region.”

Round 4 of Building our Regions will see the Palaszczuk Government partner with 37 councils on 49 projects – work which will create an estimated 657 jobs.

Under previous rounds, the program has allocated $225 million to 174 critical infrastructure projects across the state, generating 1762 jobs and attracting additional investment of $353.5 million from councils and other organisations.

Through the first three rounds of BoR, Whitsunday Regional Council received $5,107,500 for three projects, supporting around 32 construction jobs.

Learn more about the Building our Regions program.

ENDS

Media contact: Ben Doyle 0400 775 561