Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has today encouraged the region’s fishing enthusiasts to get their applications in for the NSW Government’s Habitat Action Grants program, after the deadline was extended until 16th October.
Ms Cooke said recreational fishing groups, Landcare organisations, high schools and local councils in the Cootamundra electorate can apply for funding for projects to help native fish habitats flourish.
“After years of drought our native fish species need all the support they can get, so I encourage eligible organisations to put in an application to this program,” Ms Cooke said.
“Projects funded through the Habitat Action Grants could include rehabilitation of river banks or wetlands, re-snagging waterways, reintroducing native vegetation or modifying barriers for fish to passage.”
Habitat Action Grants are funded from the Recreational Fishing Trusts, where all funds raised by the NSW Recreational Fishing Fee are placed.
“Every year recreational fishers pay their licence fees, and every single dollar is reinvested back into the fishing community,” Ms Cooke said.
“Even better is that the Habitat Action Grants are led by local groups who know their waterways better than anyone.”
Since their inception in 2009, the Recreational Fishing Trusts have invested more than $5 million into the Habitat Action Grants program throughout NSW.
For more information, including how to apply for Habitat Actions Grants funding, please visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/hag.
