Apply now for fishing funds

Recreational fishing across NSW is set to receive a major boost with the next round of funding applications from the NSW Government’s Recreational Fishing Trusts now open, Minister for Primary Industries Katrina Hodgkinson has announced.

In 2013-14 the NSW Government allocated $16 million to a range of projects across the State, and anglers have been enjoying the benefits.

"Fishing is one of our State’s most popular recreational activities, with more than one million anglers dropping a line in each year, and recreational fishing contributing in excess of $3 billion in economic activity annually,” Ms Hodgkinson said.

"Fishing licence fees are reinvested each year to continue to improve NSW recreational fishing opportunities and accessibility."

Ms Hodgkinson said committees of expert fishers make recommendations to the Trusts to help determine the provision of funding to projects that will benefit recreational fishing across the State.

"This year, applications for freshwater and other regional projects, including fishing infrastructure and community-based recreational fishing education projects, are particularly encouraged," Ms Hodgkinson said.

The Recreational Fishing Trusts will fund a number of ongoing projects in 2014-15 including:
>> Fish aggregating devices, with three new locations included
>> Construction of an off-shore artificial reef on the North Coast
>> Fish stocking
>> Fishcare volunteers
>> The ‘Get Hooked it’s Fun to Fish’ primary schools education program
>> More angel ring facilities for rock fishers
>> Fish habitat restoration grants

Applications for funding close on Monday April 14. Contributing funding, joint applications and in-kind support, such as voluntary labour, are encouraged.
For more information or assistance with compiling applications contact the Department of Primary Industries: (02) 6691 9681, or email recreational.fishingtrust@dpi.nsw.gov.au or go to: www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au