Recreational fishing across NSW is set to receive a boost with the next round of funding applications now open.
Member for Bega Andrew Constance is encouraging local recreational fishing groups to apply under the next round of the NSW Government’s Recreational Fishing Trust Grants.
“Every year we see some terrific and unique projects - I hope this year we see even more so that we can continue to provide fantastic fishing across the State,” Mr Constance said.
“Fishing is one of our State’s most popular recreational activities, with more than one million anglers dropping a line in each year.
“This year alone we have already allocated $15million into a range of projects across the State and anglers reel in the benefits every day.”
Since 2001, hundreds of projects have already been completed and we currently have since have over 200 projects on the go.
Some of the most popular projects include our offshore artificial reefs and our Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs), both which restore and boost fish habitats.
Fish education programs for young people are also a success, with over 300 Fishcare volunteers and our Get Hooked program, which is now running in over 100 primary schools across the State.
The Trusts also fund smaller projects each year including fishing platforms, fish cleaning tables, fishing workshops, the DPI FishSmart app, fishing guides and research on recreational fishing.
The NSW Government is proud to support its recreational fishing sector, which generates $3.4 billion to the State’s economy each year and accounts for more than 14,000 full-time jobs.
Fishing licence fees are reinvested each year to continue to improve NSW recreational fishing opportunities and accessibility.
Applications for funding close on 24 November.
DPI can be contacted on (02) 4424 7403 or email recreational.fishingtrust@dpi.nsw.gov.au to discuss potential new projects or to get assistance with completing a funding application. Funding guidelines and application forms are available at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au Media Release
