THE NSW Government has failed to deliver funding promised to enhance recreational fishing through the state’s Recreational Fishing Trust.
Potentially dozens of time sensitive projects are still waiting – after more than nine months – on funding generated through NSW Recreational Licence Fees. Some of these projects are at risk of failure due to increased costs and uncertainty.
According to a spokesman for Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty, the projects have been approved.
“Funds haven’t been frozen – approvals have to go through a process including the Recreational Fishing Trust Advisory Council and then consideration by Government,” said the spokesman.
“The grant applications and funds have been approved and should be progressing,” he said.
The Government is looking at how to streamline the process to speed things up for the next round.”
Applications for this year’s funding closed on December 18, 2023 and subsequent delays in funding allocation are reportedly with the Government rather than advisory councils.
Following questions by Fishing World, NSW Minister Moriarty today issued a media release. In the statement, Minister Moriarty announced $1.8 million to fund a total of 24 projects.
However, in 2022/23, according to NSW DPI’s Annual Report, 135 projects worth $23.8 million were approved for funding. Based on 2022/23’s funding, it is estimated the NSW Government could still be withholding over $20 million from time sensitive recreational fishing projects across NSW.
Fishing World contacted the Minister’s office for further comment and was told that those funds have been approved and will be announced in coming weeks.
More to follow.
