The Beagle
Nov 11, 2019
In August 2012 the NSW government started to clear a backlog of applications to convert Crown roads to freehold. This includes many 'paper roads' that could provide important fishing access to the public.
Initially NSW DPI was monitoring the flow of applications and notifying angling groups
including the RFA of any applications that could lead to loss of fishing access. However the
number of applications has now increased dramatically and NSW DPI has stopped notifying
angling groups due to lack of resources to cope with the avalanche.
The NSW government launched an online service where you can see the applications at
https://roads.crownland.nsw.gov.au/
The roads notices are searchable by date, locality and local government area. The information will remain online for the full 28 day submission period for each proposed road closure. The maps contain information to clearly identify which roads are being offered for sale and closure, without revealing the identity of landholders or applicants.
Anglers must monitor the website and their local newspapers (the only place the government is obliged to advertise proposed closures) so they find out about closures in their area.
The Recreational Fishing Alliance - Eurobodalla advise "If you don’t watch this situation and quickly lodge objections when necessary you could lose valuable access to your favourite places."
Image: Total Roads Closed 9 for the Period between 06-Feb-2019 to 15-Oct-2019 for the Eurobodalla - image source