Anglers head to Portland chasing southern bluefin tuna as coronavirus restrictions eased

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced anglers were allowed to return to the water, much to the delight of fishermen who head en masse to Portland at this time of year to reel in southern bluefin tuna.

It's a welcome injection to the city's economy each year, but a number of residents are concerned it may result in a spike in coronavirus cases.

Resident Mathew Nash said he was concerned visitors may pass on the virus to residents while they were in the city to fish.

"I know fishermen travel a lot and there are a lot of people coming from Melbourne, which is where there are the most cases in Victoria," Mr Nash said. "They are filling up their cars with petrol at our service stations and purchasing takeaway food."

Mr Nash said there was a lot of angst in the community about the issue.

He said he believed Mr Andrews should have imposed restrictions on how far people could travel to fish.

"I believe Dan Andrews has done a good job but he doesn't seem to think about people past Werribee," Mr Nash said.

"The south-west has kept a pretty good eye on making sure we're safe and I believe that's why we're in such a good position at the moment.

"I don't think that should be compromised."

He said Mr Andrews' announcement that people were not allowed to stay overnight also meant people would be forced to drive home after a long day at sea.

"I think it will mean people are taking unnecessary risks on the road," Mr Nash said.

Member for South West Coast Roma Britnell has written to the state's Minister for Boating and Fishing Jaala Pulford about the concerns after being inundated with calls in recent days.

"While the advice from the government says overnight stays are not allowed, there is no limit on how far people can travel and people are being asked to use their common sense," Ms Britnell said.

"This grey area is the issue and has the potential to create many, many problems."

Ms Britnell said it was not about fishing, but ensuring community members were safe.

"I am pleased fishing and other recreational activities are now allowed in Victoria," she said.

"I want Victorians to return to normal as safely as possible.

"But the fact remains we are still dealing with a pandemic and we have to move slowly and cautiously."

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Glenelg Shire Council released a joint statement from chief executive officer Greg Burgoyne and mayor Anita Rank about the eased restrictions.

"We wish to advise residents that new exemptions have been announced by the state government which will ease some of our current service closures, particularly for recreational activities," the statement reads. "These new arrangements will see community members able to gather outdoors with groups of up to 10 people and welcome five visitors to their household.

"The ability to leave the house for exercise has also been expanded to include outdoor recreational activities.

"As a result, we have reopened the boat ramp and fish cleaning facilities at the local Port of Portland Bay."

One of the people who has headed to Portland for a joint work/recreation trip is Mason Schulze.

The Melbourne man has been testing a product for his business Oceanx Fishing Australia.

He is a keen fisherman and said he visited Portland up to 30 times a year to drop a line.

Mr Schulze travelled to Portland on Wednesday and was excited to go fishing for the first time in six weeks.

He was even more delighted to reel in a 90 kilogram southern bluefin tuna.

"We caught the fish on one of our hand-made lures," Mr Schulze said.

"We had just the one bite."

Mr Schulze said it was a great catch on the first day back in the water, but not his biggest.

"The biggest we have caught was 140 kilograms," he said. "We've caught about 50 close to that size over a few years."

Meanwhile, Warrnambool City Council has started to reopen municipal toilets, jetties and pontoons as COVID-19 restrictions begin to ease across the state.

But while the council has been able to open up access to those facilities, it is reminding the public to adhere to social distancing measures.

Warrnambool City Council chief executive officer Peter Schneider said gradual easing of restrictions from the Victorian Government has meant that people can visit a limited number of friends and family if they really need to.

"The easing of restrictions also means it is possible to exercise outdoors with up to 10 people provided you maintain at least 1.5m between you and other people," he said.

"So while we can get out and about to some degree what has not changed is the need for us to observe social distancing laws.

"This will place limits on the number of people who can fish from jetties and it is important to respect the laws in order to stay safe and healthy.

"Please note that the Victorian Government has instructed that skate parks and playgrounds are to remain closed. This makes sense because these are facilities that would regularly attract larger groups of people and where it is difficult to comply with the social distancing requirements that remain in place."

When announcing the easing of restrictions regarding fishing, Mr Andrews said people were allowed to go out in their boat as long as they adhered to social distancing guidelines.

"These activities will be subject to physical distancing to help keep people safe," Mr Andrews said.

"But with more freedom comes more responsibility.

"I'm asking Victorians to use common sense - you should only spend time together if it's safe.

"And you should only be undertaking these activities if you really need to. If it's integral to your health and well-being."

Mr Pulford also provided further clarification on her Facebook page. "For the avoidance of doubt, fishing and boating are allowed, so long as appropriate physical distancing is maintained," she said.

One Portland resident suggested travel restrictions of 150 kilometres should be in place for the time being.

Another resident said the city had a very small hospital and needed protection from coronavirus.

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