The NSW Government is continuing to invest in Aboriginal fishing and provide fishing-related business opportunities for Aboriginal people, with the next round of grants from the Aboriginal Fishing Trust Fund (AFTF) now open, NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Deputy Secretary, Fisheries and Forestry, Sean Sloan, said today.
A total of $500,000 is on offer to provide opportunities for Aboriginal communities in commercial fishing, tourism, Aboriginal cultural fishing, and research and education related to fisheries resources throughout NSW.
"This is the seventh funding round from the AFTF, which has provided just over $1.4 million in funding for 43 projects across NSW since 2017," Mr Sloan said.
"We recognise the significance fishing has to Aboriginal communities and the NSW Government will continue to support the Trust, to ensure it promotes Aboriginal cultural fishing and provides fishing related economic opportunities for Aboriginal people.
"These grants can significantly assist Aboriginal commercial fisheries and tourism related businesses, as well as fisheries research and cultural education that aim to promote and protect Aboriginal cultural fishing across NSW."
Last year, eight applications were supported, with $223,145 allocated from the Trust Fund for projects covering inland and coastal regions which will enhance, maintain and protect Aboriginal cultural fishing and provide for economic opportunities for Aboriginal communities associated with fisheries resources.
The approved projects included a commercial fishing project to support the purchase of capital equipment for an existing family operated coastal Aboriginal commercial fishing business.
Other approved projects included funding four Aboriginal cultural fishing camps and workshops across NSW.
"The protection and enhancement of Aboriginal cultural fishing and economic outcomes related to the aquatic resource in NSW is a key priority of the NSW Government," Mr Sloan said.
"It is fantastic to see the intent of the Trust Fund being realised and we look to continue supporting projects that make a meaningful difference to Aboriginal communities across the state.
"We encourage Aboriginal businesses and communities who could benefit from an Aboriginal Fishing Trust Fund grant or loan to apply in the current round."
The call for applications for the seventh funding round from the AFTF will close on 16 February 2025.
An overview of the AFTF, guidelines and application forms for applicants and information on projects that have been funded to date can be accessed on the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development's Aboriginal Fishing Trust Fund webpage.
