Group president, Ray Howard, said the region relied heavily on tourism and having water in recreational lakes such as Lonsdale played a big part in attracting visitors to the Grampians and Stawell.

"The Grampians region is a significant tourist destination with an exceptional lake system," Mr Howard said.

"These lakes cannot be utilised in promoting and developing tourism and recreational activities to our region due to the current operational rules of Lakes Bellfield, Lonsdale and Toolondo.

"With recreational water being available for Lonsdale and Toolondo and power boating being allowed on Lake Bellfield, together with lakes Wartook, Fyans, Taylors and Rocklands, the Grampians lakes could be developed into the premier fishing and tourism destination in inland Victoria.

"We already have the infrastructure with accommodation readily available throughout the Grampians, such as Halls Gap, as well as several caravan parks and camping grounds with easy access to all lakes."

Mr Howard said it has been proven that recreational fishing is a multi-billion dollar industry, worth approximately $2.5 billion annually. He said there are more than 720,000 anglers in Victoria and it was not fair for them to be missing out.

"Why should we be missing the economic, recreational and social benefits?" Mr Howard said.

"Is either political party willing to fund an independent survey into the economic, recreational and tourism benefits that could be achieved by changing the current operational rules so that we can develop and promote our Grampian lakes through tourism and recreation?

"Past and present governments have spent millions of dollars over the years developing and promoting Grampians Tourism. Our lakes are a major asset to our local tourism, which are currently not being promoted.

"Lake Toolondo is undoubtedly a premier trout fishery that consistently produces trophy trout and draws anglers from all over Victoria as well as interstate.

"It's the same for Lake Lonsdale, which is a magnificent Redfin and Yabbying lake that also draws anglers from all over Victoria and interstate. Lake Fyans also periodically produces trophy trout.

"Lake Bellfield, situated in the heart of our tourist precinct, due to not allowing power boats, is a white elephant as a recreational lake, although fisheries this year stocked it with Chinook Salmon.

"The construction of the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline and the savings of approximately 102,000 ML each year, should enable all to benefit from these savings.

"We currently, as of October 29, are holding 225,425 ML in our system (more than 40%).

"This should ensure enough water for not only stock and domestic, but also recreational and environmental purposes."