Woods Lake Road has been steadily improved since this photo in 2005

Road maintenance work on Woods Lake Road has been undertaken during the closed season and is now complete. The work, which involved correcting road side drainage, installation of delineators at culverts and the filling of potholes, was jointly funded by the IFS and Hydro Tasmania.

The extent of the work was from just past Yengena settlement at Arthurs Lake Dam all the way to Woods Lake Dam, a total distance of approx 12.5km.

Anglers can do their part in limiting damage to the road surface, their vehicles and boats by travelling at speeds conducive to the conditions. The recommended maximum speed, in ideal conditions, for this type of road is 20-40 km/h. — IFS

Willow removal on Macquarie River

The Inland Fisheries Service is continuing to remove willows on the Macquarie River as part of the Anglers Access program which has already improved onsite angling infrastructure, signage and information.

Additional funding provided by NRM North has enabled the latest work involving extensive willow removal and riparian remediation on two properties, Woolmers and Brickendon, near Longford.

Both properties are also involved in Angler Access projects to improve access and fishing in the Macquarie River. Mersey NRM services have been the principle contractor and used this as a valuable training site.

The removal of willow will considerably increase the extent of fishable water downstream from Woolmers Bridge and the fishing will be further improved with the installation of fence stiles, footbridges, off stream stock watering and riparian fencing.

Anglers will be able to experience the benefits of improved access at the start of the new season in August. — IFS

Before

Anglers Alliance Tasmania and Inland Fisheries Service are implementing the Anglers Access project on the Macquarie River.

After

At Brickendon an extensive willow removal program and replanting with natives along with riparian fencing, off stream stock watering and installation of fence stiles will not only improve safe access for anglers but assist the landowner by mitigating flood damage caused by willows restricting river flows, potential loss of stock and protection of fences.

Members of the Longford Fishing club are being instructed in chainsaw use to encourage volunteers to assist with further willow removal and control efforts in the future.

Anglers Access involves landowners, anglers, natural resource management groups and the community in improving access to our river fisheries through negotiated agreements, riparian management and installation of appropriate infrastructure such as stiles over fences and access signage.

This project is building on the success of the Brumbys Creek pilot project and is proposed for other rivers including the Huon, Derwent, Tyenna, Meander and Leven.

Funding from the DAFF Recreational Fisheries Community Grants Program, NRM North and support from the landowners themselves, in this case Richard and Louise Archer from Brickendon, has made these projects possible.

For further information on Anglers Access contact the Project Manager, Neil Morrow on 0438 279 421