- $500,000 is available to commercial, charter fishers, and recreational groups, and $300,000 is available for Indigenous-led initiatives
- Projects that focus on promoting and developing sustainable fishing practices, and community engagement are encouraged
- The funding is part of the Queensland Government's Sustainable Fisheries Strategy aimed at building a legacy of sustainable fisheries for future generations
Queensland fishers are invited to apply for a share of $800,000 in funding on offer under the Palaszczuk Government's fishing grants program, and Indigenous fishing and forestry grants programs.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said the grants programs are helping to build a legacy of sustainable fisheries for our children and grandchildren.
Applications are now open with funding divided between:
- $250,000 for commercial and charter fishing initiatives that aim to address ecological risks and promote sustainable fishing practices.
- $250,000 for recreational initiatives that provide a benefit to recreational or traditional fishing in Queensland.
- $200,0000 for Indigenous-led fisheries and forestry projects in the Cape York region.
- $100,000 for Indigenous-led fisheries projects Queensland-wide.
Commercial and charter applications are open until 28 January 2024 and may include trialling alternative or innovative gear, industry modernisation, responsible or sustainable fishing methods or education, sustainable seafood promotion, and promoting mental health initiatives within the commercial fishing community.
Recreational or traditional fishing applications are also open until 28 January 2024 and may include projects run by community-based not-for-profit organisations, fishing clubs and incorporated associations, and individuals. In the past these have included kids' fishing clinics, social-inclusion fishing and habitat restoration.
Applications under the Indigenous fishing and forestry grants programs are open until 31 January 2024, and are aimed at helping Indigenous peoples to have more economic opportunities around fishing and forestry in their own sea and land country.
Funding for the Cape York region will support the development of new and sustainable Indigenous fisheries and forestry pathways, and the Queensland-wide funding will assist Indigenous businesses to purchase assets to scale up seafood production and processing.
Applications can be made online
