Local fishers are being encouraged to apply for $20 million in funding through Recreational Fishing Trust grants to help fund projects in their area to improve and promote recreational fishing.

Member for Port Macquarie, Leslie Williams said that the funding could be used for new facilities, more fish stocking, research and education programs.

“Every year the NSW Government gets a fantastic array of applications to fund projects that will further the recreational fishing industry, and I have no doubt this round will be the same,” Mrs Williams said.

“Fishers pay their licence fees and every single cent of that goes back into the sector, and this $20 million through Recreational Fishing Trust grants is just another example of that.

“So, today I am putting the call out for the our area’s keen anglers to put in their applications for any ideas they have in mind which will build great new facilities, improve a fishing habitat, or put more into research.”

Mrs Williams encouraged keen anglers to apply for the next round of funding, which closes on 30th October and is open to all in the recreational fishing industry, including clubs and organisations, community groups, and councils.

“If you’ve got an idea that will support local fish habitats and recreational fishing, then I urge you to lodge your application.

“More than one million anglers take to our waterways annually, so it’s important we give them the tools to do what they love,” Mrs Williams said. 

Funding guidelines and application forms are available at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au. Grant ideas can also be discussed by contacting DPI Fisheries on (02) 4916 3835 or by emailing recreational.fishingtrust@dpi.nsw.gov.au.