Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has encouraged fishing clubs across the Cootamundra electorate to apply for funding from the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust.
“The grants are open to anyone, including fishing clubs and organisations, universities, councils, community groups, and individuals,” Ms Cooke said.
“This funding has the potential to make a real difference to our community, by supporting our local fishers and the businesses that rely on this fun, outdoor pastime.
“Grants are available for both large and small projects and I encourage all fishing and community groups to think about how this funding could be re-invested back into the sport they love.”
Ms Cooke said funding is provided for projects such as recreational fishing education, fishing access and facilities, improving fish habitat, fisheries research and much more.
“In past years, we’ve seen some wonderful projects get off the ground thanks to this funding, including fishing platforms, fish cleaning facilities, fish stocking, fish aggregating devices, fishing workshops, the Fishcare Volunteer program and fish habitat rehabilitation,” Ms Cooke said.
“Around $15 million is raised from the sale of recreational fishing licences each year, which is then re-invested back into projects that benefit recreational fishing.
“This grants program demonstrates the NSW Government’s ongoing support for the recreational fishing industry which adds about $3.4 billion to the State’s economy each year, and creates more than 14,000 full-time jobs.”
Ms Cooke said applications close on November 30, 2018, and joint applications, including those that combine freshwater and saltwater projects, are encouraged.
More information is available at https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/recreational/recreational-fishing-fee/licence-fees-at-work/apply-for-funds
