The Minns Labor Government has today announced funding of $1.8 million for grants to improve recreational fishing as part of the 2024/2025 Recreational Fishing Trust grants program.
The NSW Government is committed to supporting recreational fishing and making it more accessible to everyone across the state.
This is demonstrated in funding for 21 projects that will contribute to the delivery of the Government's election commitment to make fishing more welcoming to people with disabilities.
Some of the newly funded projects enabling better access include:
- $375,000 in the Shoalhaven to repair, refurbish and upgrade five fishing platforms with improved accessibility
- $98,300 in Hay to allow better and safer access to a local fishing platform and boat ramp
- $11,035 in Davistown to replace ageing platform and build a pedestrian bridge with disabled access
- $26,210 in Tumbulgum to provide local fiish cleaning facilities next to the jetty with disabled access
- $79,500 in Port Macquarie/Hastings for multiple fish cleaning facilities
- $10,000 for Fishing4All to introduce people with intellectual impairment to fishing
In total, 24 projects from external applicants will receive $1.8 million in funding, as recommended by the Recreational Fishing
NSW Advisory Council. The areas receiving funding cover the following:
- $717,612 - fishing access and facilities
- $85,000 - recreational fishing enhancement
- $552,000 - recreational fishing education
- $444,000 - aquatic habitat protection and rehabilitation
The next funding round for Recreational Fishing Trust Grants will open on 6 November and will open up for applications the Government's new $2 million recreational fishing small infrastructure grant program.
This new program will make it easier for fishing clubs, community groups and other organisations to apply for funding for grassroots projects.
As part of the next round, the Government will boost communications with all fishers and clubs so that they know when and how to apply for grants to improve their local areas.
Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:
"Fishing licence fees have been put to work to improve the state's recreational fishing facilities, fishing habitats and opening up fishing to more people.
"I am pleased to see some significant new facilities being funded to welcome people with a disability into fishing around our state, both inland or along the coast.
"There are some big and small projects that will benefit many people, including Morisset High School receiving funding for students with disabilities to engage with fishing, to a fly-fishing day for people who have experienced breast cancer in the New England region.
"The NSW Government is committed to supporting the recreational fishing community and seeing it contribute to regional tourism where it is creating jobs and generating income."
