The NSW Government is again calling for submissions from parties interested in receiving a grant to carry out projects that will benefit fishing in their local areas.
Individuals, groups, local councils and organisations are all eligible to apply for a Habitat Action Grant.
Minister for Primary Industries Steve Whan said the grants program aims to restore fish habitat and increase native fish populations.
“Fishing and the associated tourism industry depends upon native fish populations, and this initiative aims to improve habitats so that these populations can thrive,” Whan said.
The Habitat Action Grants are funded by the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust from monies raised from the sale of the recreational fishing licences – a total of $530,000 is available through this year’s program.
Previous grants have funded projects to:
• remove invasive vegetation and re-establish native plants on riverbanks
• remove barriers to fish movement
• re-snag waterways
• restore natural tides to former estuarine wetlands
• open floodgates, and
• stabilise eroding river banks.
The Habitat Action Grants close on 15 October 2010 at 5.00pm. Application forms and contacts for technical advice can be found at: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/habitat/rehabilitating/ahr-grants-program or by contacting (02) 4916 3926 or (02) 6626 1107.
