His service to the state’s tourism industry through a fly-fishing venture was recognised today when he was named a Member of the Order of Australia.

Mr Garrett established London Lakes in the Central Highlands in the 1970s and an attached lodge to accommodate visitors.

The people drawn to the unique place were not only the world’s best fly fishers who participated in the World Fly Fishing Championships in 1988.

In fact, soon after the lodge opened, famous musician Eric Clapton visited the lakes, accompanied by renowned artist Brett Whiteley.

Former Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser and cricketers Ian Botham and Dennis Lillee have also thrown a line in.

Mr Garrett said the proposal to flood good agricultural land to construct the lakes was seen as a controversial move those decades ago.

“My bank manager, accountant, and real estate agent said I was stupid so I knew I was onto a good thing,” he said.