There's not a cloud on Steve Samuels' horizon after the rejection of two native title claims that threatened to close one of country's the most prized trout streams.
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Management of Paddy's Corner Reserve, on the Thredbo River, was recently handed to the Monaro Acclimatisation Society.
Mr Samuels, who is the society president, said the anglers club would consult peak indigenous groups to ensure the fishing mecca's future was secure.
''The MAS will now be seeking funds to upgrade Paddy's Corner Reserve and also be trying to contact the local Aboriginal Land Council to consult with them over the management of the reserve,'' Mr Samuels said.
The reserve, near Jindabyne, is a rich spawning bed along a 420-metre stretch of the Thredbo river.
The river's pebble bed is a favourite spot with anglers as it is easily accessible by car and is the only free and uncontested public access point to the waterway. The rest of the river, which runs for about 43 kilometres from Thredbo Village to Lake Jindabyne, is accessed via private property, disputed private roads or through Kosciuszko National Park, which charges an access fee.
The river is one of only two declared trout spawning streams in the Snowy Mountains region.
The Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 (NSW) recognises Aboriginal people's need for land and provides an opportunity for self-determination as well as potential for economic development. The first claim was lodged in 2006, the second in 2010.
But both were refused by NSW Primary Industries Minister Katrina Hodgkinson in September last year.
A Department of Primary Industries spokesman said neither rejection was challenged, with the appeal deadline lapsing recently.
''The minister's reasons for refusal were that the land was lawfully used and occupied and needed for the essential public purpose of public recreation,'' the spokesman said.
The spokesman confirmed members of the Monaro Acclimatisation Society were appointed trust managers of the reserve after the deadline passed. Mr Samuels said the group was planning to enhance the reserve, by upgrading the access road, improving parking, and putting up fresh signage promoting the site's indigenous heritage.
Mr Samuels said the society had already spent $20,000 on the reserve, which included a weed spraying program to halt the spread of pest species St John's wort.
''I would like to thank all of you who supported us in this matter,'' he said. ''On behalf of the MAS I wish you all good fishing.''
