THE Victorian Government is calling for great ideas, big and small, to make recreational fishing in Victoria even better.
Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Jaala Pulford has announced that the 2018/19 round of Recreational Fishing Grants Program is now open – returning money collected through fishing licence fees back recreational anglers.
Last year, the Program allocated more than $1 million of licence fees to 16 projects across Victoria, as well as contributing significant funding to fisheries officers, VRFish and fish production at Snobs Creek.
Project proposals between $5,000 and $100,000 qualify for the large grants part of the Program, which has four categories:
- Fisheries sustainability and habitat improvement
- Fishing access and facilities
- Fisheries related education, information and training
- Recreational fisheries research
Previously funded projects include fish cleaning tables, signage, stiles over fences to improve access, fishing platforms and jetties, and re-snagging to improve fish habitat in rivers and lakes.
The Program is open to fishing clubs, community groups, incorporated bodies, and government and statutory bodies.
Application for large grants close on 28 February 2019, with small grants of up to $5,000 available year-round.
For more information, or to apply online, visit vfa.vic.gov.au/fishinggrants.