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Rec fishing funding up for grabs

ANGLERS and fishing organisations with ideas for projects to improve rec fishing in NSW are being encouraged to apply for funding from the NSW Recreational Fishing Trusts.

NSW Primary Industries Minister Katrina Hodgkinson said in 2014-15 the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government allocated $16 million from the sale of the Recreational Fishing Fee to freshwater and saltwater projects – like offshore artificial reefs, fish stocking and fishing platforms.

“I am expecting a similar amount of funds to be made available in the upcoming financial year, for recreational fishing groups, councils, individuals, universities and community organisations,” Ms Hodgkinson said.

“Each year fishing licence fees are reinvested directly back into the recreational fishing sector to improve opportunities and accessibility across the State.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to get much-needed fishing projects off the ground for the benefit of recreational fishers in NSW.

“The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government fully supports our recreational fishing sector, which contributes more than $3 billion in economic activity to the State’s economy, with more than one million anglers wetting a line each year.”

Ms Hodgkinson said the Recreational Fishing Trusts fund a range of projects, including:

  • recreational fishing education;
  • fishing access and facilities;
  • aquatic habitat protection and rehabilitation;
  • research on fish and recreational fishing;
  • and fish aggregating devices, artificial reefs and fish stocking.

Committees of expert fishers make recommendations to the Trusts to help determine the provision of funding to projects.

Contributing funding, joint applications and in-kind support, such as voluntary labour, are encouraged.

Applications for funding close on 8 December 2014.

For more information or assistance with applications contact the Department of Primary Industries on (02) 6691 9681, email recreational.fishingtrust@dpi.nsw.gov.au or visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/recreational/licence-fee/apply-for-funds.

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