Fishing clubs and community groups across Victoria will have more access to funds to improve fishing in their local area thanks to a new category of Recreational Fishing Grants.
Minister for Fishing and Boating Melissa Horne said the new intermediate category of grants was funded by fishing licence fees and complements the Andrews Labor Government's $35 million Target One Million plan, to get more people fishing, more often, in more places.
The new intermediate grants category will be open year-round for applications from fishing clubs and not-for-profit community groups. Grants will be available for projects valued between $5,000 and $50,000 will be run alongside the existing small and large grants programs.
Examples of projects which could qualify for funding include improving habitat in local waterways, getting new access tracks, a fishing platform to allow for all abilities and fencing stiles to allow better access along a stretch of water where the best fish are.
Several fishing clubs have had projects funded as part of the existing grants programs in recent years including the Jeparit Angling Club for a fishing platform on the Wimmera River and the Association of Geelong and District Angling Clubs to install solar lighting at St Helens. The Australian Trout Foundation has also received funding to improve instream habitat and conduct riparian works on rivers such as the Lower Buckland River.
The new grants program is for local clubs and groups to make a difference and improve recreational fishing for everyone to enjoy.
The Intermediate Grants Program will be open all year round and compliment the Large Grants Program, which is currently open. The Large Grants program offers funding of up to $100,000 to a wide range of organisations.
Applications for large grants close on 28 February 2021, while small grants of up to $5,000 are available year-round.
For more information about the Recreational Fishing Grants Program, or to apply online, head to vfa.vic.gov.au/fishinggrants.
As stated by Minister for Fishing and Boating Melissa Horne
"This new category of grants will allow more fishing clubs and community groups the chance to receive much-needed funding so they can work on projects to make a difference and improve fishing in their local area."
"This is about improving fishing at the grass roots level and providing the opportunity for more families to spend time fishing all over Victoria with better facilities for them to enjoy."
