Fishing will be allowed at the Ploughmans Wetlands in NSW's Central West even though there aren't any fish in the water.
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Orange City councillors agreed last week to remove 'No Fishing' signs.
Cr Mario Previtera said signage and bunting had been placed at the wetlands in the past two months to stop damage to the edge of the wetland and the native aquatic grasses planted during community planting days.
In recent months with COVID-19 it has given the children something they can do quite safely.
- Cr Mario Previtera
He said it should be removed to enable people, mainly children, to fish in the wetlands.
Cr Previtera said fishing would not damage the wetlands.
"We're mainly talking about a handful of children who fish there," he said.
"The damage they cause is insignificant compared to the feral animals that roam that area. Also pets and also other people out walking through that area.
"Not all people stick to the paths.
"In recent months with COVID-19 it has given the children something they can do quite safely.
"I don't see a problem with them fishing.
I can't see the Wyangala fishing club or the Orange fishing club having a weekend fishing tournament in the wetlands.
- Cr Reg Kidd
"I've seen them there for a couple of years just fishing and causing no problem to anyone."
Mayor Cr Reg Kidd said only children would fish there.
"There is no fish in there. [It's] highly unlikely there would be.
"I can't see the Wyangala fishing club or the Orange fishing club having a weekend fishing tournament in the wetlands."
Cr Kidd said more damage would be done to the wetlands and wildlife by dogs, stray cats and foxes.
Cr Sam Romano said he was concerned Orange was becoming a "retirement village.
"I'm hearing that from a lot of people. This is about children having a great time," he said.
Cr Stephen Nugent opposed the motion saying fishing was not necessary there.
"The wetlands is a very special place that we have here in Orange," he said.
"Fishing has never been allowed in that area."
Before the motion was discussed the head of the wetlands care group, Neil Jones, urged councillors to oppose the motion.
Mr Jones said the wetlands had significant environmental value and recreational fishing would pose a threat to the area with people damaging grasses beside the water.
Council was also told state fishing licence laws would apply to the area.