Eurobodalla Council has successfully applied for additional funding for Tuross and Mossy Point fishing platforms to upgrade them to best practice accessible fishing platforms The Council sought additional funding for two previously Recreational Fishing Trust funded fishing platforms to meet additional best practice accessibility design features. The funding has been received for Mosquito Bay and Tuross Head fishing facilities adding to the already generous funding for Moruya and South Durras jetties that were funded and installed in 2015/16. At Mosquito Bay Council will replace the existing fish cleaning table as well as install solar lighting. The full cost of this project is $9000, with Council and the local fishing club contributing the remaining funds. A $7500 grant will also cover replacement of the existing fishing table at Tuross Wharf with one of more practical width and height to increase use by the recreational fishing community The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has announced which projects will receive a share in $15 million from the Recreational Fishing Trust to improve recreational fishing in NSW. NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Group Director, Recreational and Aboriginal Fisheries, Peter Turnell, said the DPI received more than 100 grant applications for saltwater and freshwater recreational fishing projects. “The successful grants support a wide range of new and ongoing initiatives,” Mr Turnell said. “Key projects include new fishing platforms and fish cleaning tables across the state, a NSW Fishway Strategy, and increased funding for community projects to restore fish habitats to improve fish stocks. “In addition, there is funding for recreational fishing education, research, compliance, artificial reefs, fish stocking, fishing workshops and the Fishcare Volunteer program. “These projects will benefit fishers throughout the state, as they will be implemented in a variety of coastal and regional locations. “This a great outcome for the state’s recreational fishing industry which adds about $3.4 billion to the State’s economy each year, and accounts for more than 14,000 full-time jobs. ”The NSW Recreational Fishing Trusts are funded through the sale of recreational fishing licences, Mr Turnell said. “The grants program is another way the NSW Government continues to reinvest this resource back into the sector to help it further develop. “The DPI encourages funding applications from anyone, including fishing organisations, universities, councils, community groups and individuals. “The funding of under $10,000 for small projects or more than $10,000 for large projects can really make a difference to your local community.”A Applications for projects commencing in 2018/19 and beyond were reviewed by the Recreational Fishing Trust Expenditure Committees. Photos by Max Castle of the Moruya Jetty funded last year
