The NSW Government has announced a new $2 million recreational fishing small infrastructure grants program, as well as the largest ever survey of NSW recreational fishing licence holders.
The grants program is part of the Government’s plan to ensure more of the licence fees collected from recreational fishers is invested back into the small infrastructure that makes fishing accessible, safe and convenient.
In addition, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) will undertake a state-wide survey of recreational fishers to enable them to provide direct feedback on potential future investment from the Recreational Fishing Trusts who hold the licence fee income.
The NSW Government will provide greater support to the recreational fishing community by:
-Making the grant applications processes clearer and simpler, so fishers and fishing clubs have the best opportunity to receive funding.
-Demonstrating through the Recreational Fishing Trust’s Annual Reports that the DPIRD and the Trust have reinvested license fees back into practical fishing initiatives.
-Strengthening communications with all fishers and clubs so that they know when and how to apply for grants to improve their local areas.
-$2 million recreational fishing small infrastructure grants program
The new $2 million recreational fishing small infrastructure grant program will make it easier for fishing clubs, community groups and other organisations to apply for funding for projects such as fishing platforms, fish cleaning tables and other fishing facilities.
Eligibility criteria and funding guidelines for the new program will be developed over the coming months and will be included as part of the next Recreational Fishing Trust grants and funding round.
Applications for grants of up to $200,000 will be open soon.
Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said fishing is a pastime everyone can enjoy.
“I want to revamp the process to make it easier for grass roots fishers and fishing clubs to be able to fund the infrastructure they would like to see in their local area,” Minister Moriarty said.
“The fees that fishers pay each year must continue to be used effectively to improve fishing for everyone.
“The fishing infrastructure grant fund will ensure more money gets to grassroots recreational fishing groups.”
Minister Moriarty, also announced a major survey of NSW recreational fishing licence holders while she was in Pambula on the Far South Coast.
The survey will provide recreational fishers with greater input on the way fishing fees are spent while at the same time reinforcing the Government’s commitment to the transparent and accountable management of public funds.
The survey will seek input from fishers on new initiatives for potential future investment, including current programs:
-Fish stocking and fish breeding
-Fishing platforms and fish aggregation devices
-Artificial reefs and habitat improvements
-Education programs to teach young fishers about safe and responsible fishing.
-Fishing regulation awareness
Local Labor Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland said he looks forward to the grant program and the Government’s interest in our recreational fishing licence holders’ opinions on current programs and future investments.
“Recreational fishing is an important part of our local culture and attracts thousands of visitors to this beautiful electorate,” Dr Holland said.
“It contributes significantly to the health and economy of the Bega electorate.”
Images: Tara Moriarty, Merimbula Big Game & Lakes Angling Club
