THE Minns Labor Government is delivering more than $1 million to fund an independent NSW recreational fishing peak body to assist it and drive on ground outcomes for the State’s recreational fishers.
The $1,050,000 from Treasury (ie not Rec Fishing Trust funds) will go towards establishing the peak body and the first two years of operations, including employing staff and other operating expenses.
Beyond this period it will be the role of the CEO and board to establish sustainable, ongoing funding (eg applying for grants, sponsorship etc).
The recreational fishing industry is major contributor to our coastal and inland communities and generates about $3.4 billion of economic activity in NSW each year. The industry also creates the equivalent of about 14,000 fulltime jobs.
The NSW Government made an election commitment to establish a peak body for the State’s recreational fishers and has worked with the fishing representatives to develop their vision for a peak body that is:
- A viable and respected professional body: to deliver representation that effectively champions the future of recreational fishing,
- Representative of all NSW recreational fishers: including affiliated and unaffiliated fishers from diverse backgrounds,
- Independent of Government: to enable apolitical representation to advance the priorities and needs of recreational fishers,
- Collaborative and solutions-oriented: to work constructively with Government and other bodies to deliver solutions for recreational fishers.
The people of NSW are now encouraged to have their say on this important process. Public consultation is open from 6 August 2025 to 1 October 2025.
To learn more and provide your feedback, visit the NSW Government’s Have Your Say website: https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/peak-body-rec-fishing
Our culturally and linguistically diverse fishing community are encouraged to use the translate feature on the Have Your Say website, which offers access in multiple languages and provides a contact for support with submissions.
