Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Department of Primary Industries

Spearing Trout Earns Croydon Man A $1000 Fine

A 49 year old from Croydon, in Melbourne’s northeast, has been fined $1000, after pleading guilty to spearing trout in the Tarago River, near Warragul.

By Minister for Agriculture - 11th September 2009 - Back to News

The Latrobe Valley Magistrates Court heard Charles Thomas Baldwin was caught on the night of June 13 with two multi-pronged spears and a rainbow trout.

The fish and all of the equipment were seized at the time of the offence and forfeited to the court.

Deputy Chief Magistrate, Dan Muling, said he was concerned about the offence and the use of homemade spears.

"These matters are viewed seriously by legislators and I need to send a message that this sort of behaviour is not tolerated," Mr Muling said.

Prosecuting Senior Fisheries Officer, Errol Parmigiani, said Fisheries Victoria had received numerous reports about this sort of activity in the area.

"The verdict is a clear indication that illegal fishing activity of this nature will not be tolerated by the courts," Mr Parmigiani said.

"It is an offence to take or possess trout during the salmonid closed season.

"Fisheries Victoria is stocking fish across the state in lakes and impoundments but large sections of most major rivers are closed to give the fish a chance to spawn.

"It is also an offence to take fish in inland waters with a spear or to possess a spear next to those waters.

"The salmonid season re-opened on September 4, active patrols will continue in the rivers and streams through out the year."

Anyone who sees or suspects illegal fishing activity is urged to call the 24-hour reporting line 13-FISH, (13-3474).

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Six-year Thurra River campground closure triggers renewed demands for urgent government action before summer
  Tim Bull says East Gippslanders face another summer without Thurra River’s main campground, urging the Minister to expedite long-delayed approvals after six years, stressing local businesses rely on its reopening.
• Coalition demands Albanese government regulate veterans’ advocacy sector after damning Senate committee report release
  The Coalition urges urgent laws to regulate veterans’ advocacy, citing unethical practices, rising commercial providers, data risks, and unmet Royal Commission reforms to better protect vulnerable veterans and their families.
• Martin Cameron demands action as data reveals dangerous one-star safety ratings on Latrobe Valley roads
  Nationals MP Martin Cameron has condemned the poor safety of Latrobe Valley roads, after state data revealed many key routes rated one or two stars, demanding urgent government action.
• Melina Bath says after 11 years of Labor, Victoria’s public lands face neglect, higher risks, and degradation
  The Silver Review recommends abolishing VEAC, a $1.4 million taxpayer-funded bureaucracy, as Labor’s ineffective agency failed to improve land management or address bushfire and environmental risks.
• Thurra river bridge finally reopens after five-year delay, fueling local frustration and renewed criticism
  The Thurra River Bridge has reopened after five and a half years, prompting relief and anger, with MP Tim Bull criticising prolonged delays, economic impacts, and unfinished fire recovery projects across East Gippsland.
• Melina Bath criticises Labor for six-year delay restoring Thurra River Campground after 2019-20 bushfires
  Eastern Victoria MP Melina Bath criticises Labor’s six-year delay restoring Thurra River Campground, highlighting unsafe facilities, limited capacity, and urgent need for infrastructure replacement to support local families and tourism.
• Latrobe City Council to negotiate Old Methodist Church sale following community consultation and support heritage reuse
  Following community consultation, Latrobe City Council will negotiate the Old Methodist Church sale to Traralgon Historical Society, supporting heritage reuse and allocating $86,000 funding contingent on securing a VicTrack lease.
• Danny O'Brien says Gippsland roads among state's most dangerous after years of neglect under Allan Labor government
  Danny O'Brien says new AusRAP data shows many Gippsland roads are unsafe after years of Labor neglect, criticising the government for lowering speed limits instead of properly fixing deteriorating roads.
• Martin Cameron slams Allan Labor government over year-long failure to clarify ownership of Traralgon vacant buildings
  Nationals MP Martin Cameron criticised Labor's year-long failure to clarify ownership of Traralgon vacant buildings, after multiple ministerial referrals left residents concerned about neglect, squatters, and ongoing government inaction.
• Peri Urban Councils Victoria reflecting on 2025 year of growth, advocacy, and stronger Peri-Urban communities
  As 2025 ends, PUCV reflects on a productive year of growth, advocacy, and connectivity improvements, thanking member councils and supporters, while preparing an ambitious agenda for 2026 and beyond.
• East Bairnsdale drain transformed into natural wetland enhancing biodiversity, stormwater management, and facilities near Jones Bay
  A neglected East Bairnsdale drain has been transformed into a natural wetland near Jones Bay, enhancing stormwater management, biodiversity, flood mitigation, and community amenity through a $1.43 million collaborative project.
• Kurnai College supports young Gippslanders completing Year 12 while balancing parenting and education challenges
  Kurnai College’s Young Parents Program helps Gippsland students complete Year 12, gain VET qualifications, and build confidence, resilience, and life skills while providing onsite childcare and strong community support.
• Sale’s burnt police station must be cleared and redeveloped after 11 years of government inaction, says Danny O’Brien
  Nationals MP Danny O’Brien urges Allan Labor Government to clear and redevelop Sale’s old police station site after 11 years of inaction, following its recent deliberate burning.
• Tracey Ah Sam named East Gippsland 2026 Citizen of the Year for exceptional service to Omeo community
  Tracey Ah Sam has been named East Gippsland’s 2026 Citizen of the Year for over 30 years’ dedicated service, leadership, and lasting impact on the Omeo community.
• Latrobe Health Assembly wins 2025 Australasia Organisation of the Year for excellence in community engagement
  Latrobe Health Assembly has won the 2025 Australasia Organisation of the Year Award for Excellence in Community Engagement, recognising its innovative, community-driven approach to improving health and wellbeing across the Latrobe Valley.