The Minns Labor Government announced funding of $1.8 million for grants to improve recreational fishing as part of the 2024/2025 Recreational Fishing Trust grants program on September 26.
The NSW Government is committed to supporting recreational fishing and making it more accessible to everyone across the state.
This is demonstrated in funding for 21 projects that will contribute to the delivery of the Government’s election commitment to make fishing more welcoming to people with disabilities.
Some of the newly funded projects enabling better access include:
- $375,000 in the Shoalhaven to repair, refurbish and upgrade five fishing platforms with improved accessibility
- $98,300 in Hay to allow better and safer access to a local fishing platform and boat ramp
- $11,035 in Davistown to replace ageing platform and build a pedestrian bridge with disabled access
- $26,210 in Tumbulgum to provide local fish cleaning facilities next to the jetty with disabled access
- $79,500 in Port Macquarie/Hastings for multiple fish cleaning facilities
- $10,000 for Fishing4All to introduce people with intellectual impairment to fishing
In total, 24 projects from external applicants will receive $1.8 million in funding, as recommended by the Recreational Fishing NSW Advisory Council. The areas receiving funding cover the following:
- $717,612 - fishing access and facilities
- $85,000 – recreational fishing enhancement
- $552,000 – recreational fishing education
- $444,000 – aquatic habitat protection and rehabilitation
Among the projects that received a grant is Kids Gone Fishing Day hosted by the Broken Bay Game Fishing Club - Mini Mariners Division, out of the RMYC at Newport.
Bring your kids for a FREE day filled with adventure, learning, and fun! Whether they’re casting their first line or are seasoned little anglers, this event promises to be a memorable experience for all. Enjoy the thrill of fishing, the joy of a community gathering, and the delicious taste of a sausage sizzle.
Spaces are limited, so make sure to book in advance and secure your spot for a fantastic family day out.
''Let’s create some unforgettable memories together! '' the club says
Date: Sunday, 13th October. Ticket: Free - please book your spot here: royalmotor.com.au/products/kids-gone-fishing-day
All money raised by the NSW Recreational Fishing Licence Fee is placed into the Recreational Fishing Trusts and put towards many different projects to improve recreational fishing. This generates millions of dollars annually that are invested back into the community.
In 2022/23, according to NSW DPI’s Annual Report, 135 projects worth $23.8 million were approved for funding.
The list of Recreational Fishing Trust Fund projects approved for funding in 2024/25 – 2026/27 is available here.
The next funding round for Recreational Fishing Trust Grants will open on 6 November and will open up for applications the Government’s new $2 million recreational fishing small infrastructure grant program.
The Government said in August it will provide greater support to the recreational fishing community by:
- Making the grant applications processes clearer and simpler, so fishers and fishing clubs have the best opportunity to receive funding.
- Demonstrating through the Recreational Fishing Trust’s Annual Reports that the DPIRD and the Trust have reinvested license fees back into practical fishing initiatives.
- Strengthening communications with all fishers and clubs so that they know when and how to apply for grants to improve their local areas.
The new $2 million recreational fishing small infrastructure grant program will, according to the NSW Government, make it easier for fishing clubs, community groups and other organisations to apply for funding for projects such as fishing platforms, fish cleaning tables and other fishing facilities.
This new program will make it easier for fishing clubs, community groups and other organisations to apply for funding for grassroots projects.
As part of the next round, the Government will boost communications with all fishers and clubs so that they know when and how to apply for grants to improve their local areas.
Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:
“Fishing licence fees have been put to work to improve the state’s recreational fishing facilities, fishing habitats and opening up fishing to more people.
“I am pleased to see some significant new facilities being funded to welcome people with a disability into fishing around our state, both inland or along the coast.
“There are some big and small projects that will benefit many people, including Morisset High School receiving funding for students with disabilities to engage with fishing, to a fly-fishing day for people who have experienced breast cancer in the New England region.
“The NSW Government is committed to supporting the recreational fishing community and seeing it contribute to regional tourism where it is creating jobs and generating income.”
NSW Government invests $750,000 to improve coastal fish habitat
Two days prior to these grant announcements, on September 24, the State Government proved it is continuing to invest in on-ground activities to improve fish habitat and recreational fishing in NSW, with the announcement of more than $750,000 in grants awarded to five innovative coastal projects.
The Flagship Fish Habitat Rehabilitation Grant program provides funding for large-scale projects that significantly enhance fish habitat, water quality and fish passage opportunities within the coastal catchments of NSW.
This includes projects to significantly rehabilitate river banks and coastal wetlands, remove or modify barriers to fish passage and construct fishways, re-snag waterways and undertake remediation works including riverbank stabilisation.
After assessing applications for the 2023-24 grants round, a total of $756,947 is being awarded to five projects:
- $109,222 to Nambucca Valley Landcare to improve fish habitat and reduce risks to water quality in the Nambucca River by restoring an eroding riverbank;
- $169,150 to OzFish Unlimited to rehabilitate an area of critical fish habitat in the Bellinger River catchment together with recreational fishers;
- $158,000 to Rous County Council to restore 1,600m2 of complex fish habitat and a popular bass fishing destination on Bungawalbyn Creek;
- $261,275 to Port Macquarie Hastings Council to stabilise an eroded area, improve shoreline vegetation and enable access for recreational fishers on the Hastings River estuary;
- $59,300 to Shoalhaven City Council to complete design and plans for a living shoreline including accessible and resilient foreshore, and oyster reef restoration on the Crookhaven River.
The grants are part of the Government’s ongoing work to grow recreational fishing opportunities by enhancing the habitats that fish need to thrive.
This Issue’s Aquatics page features another aspect of the work being in the complementary NSW Marine Estate’s Marine Estate Management Strategy and Marine Estate Management Strategy Initiative 3 ‘Estuarine habitat monitoring and threat assessment’.
Visit https://www.marine.nsw.gov.au/ to find out more.
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Since the inception of the Flagship Grant Program in 2016 under the previous Coalition Government, almost $3 million from the Recreational Fishing Trust has been invested in coastal aquatic habitat rehabilitation, water quality improvement and fish passage opportunities.
Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:
“These Flagship grants allow fishing clubs, non-Government organisations and other agencies to tackle large, complex projects that will safeguard and enhance local fish habitats and recreational fisheries.
“Improved habitat means better opportunities for fish and therefore better opportunities for recreational fishers.
“This program is yet another excellent example of how recreational fishing fees are helping to support and improve sustainable fisheries in NSW.”
More information on Flagship Habitat Rehabilitation Grants is available here.
More announcements about approved funding will be made in coming weeks.
Rowland Reserve Boat Ramp Fish Cleaning Table, Bayview
Fish cleaning facility – Rowland Reserve, Bayview: To construct a fish cleaning table at Rowland Reserve, Bayview, Pittwater. 2012/13 Grant to Pittwater Council - $8,200. NSW recreational fishing licence fees are used to install fish cleaning tables at popular fishing spots. Funding for this project came from the then Recreational Fishing Trust's Small Grants Program and included the associated plumbing works required.
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