What is it?

The Australian Government is contributing $15 million over three years for projects that enhance recreational fishing opportunities and activities throughout Australia in fresh and salt water.

Community projects of high public benefit can attract funding under the Programme. The thrust of the Programme is to support local initiatives that enhance recreational fishing and tourism experiences, both through on-ground activities and education and awareness raising, as well as protecting near shore coastal environments.

The Programme seeks to:

1. enhance sustainable resource use and fishing practices by recreational fishers;
2. . develop a sense of ownership, awareness and responsibility amongst recreational fishers for the sustainable use of fish resources and fish habitats;
3. maintain or enhance fish habitats for present and future generations; and
4. foster partnerships between governments, the recreational fishing community, and associated industries to conserve, restore and enhance the values of recreational fisheries throughout Australia.

Funding of up to $100,000 (GST inclusive) is available. Applicants are also asked to contribute, generally, on a dollar for dollar matching basis. In-kind contributions are acceptable.

The Programme will invest in a broad range of activities, including the following areas as they relate to recreational fishing:

(a) improvements to infrastructure, including establishing fish cleaning tables, boat wash down facilities and upgrading tracks and paths used by recreational fishers to access fishing spots;
(b) support of local initiatives to enhance recreational fishing, such as restocking or resnagging waterways;
(c) to protect the environment at the water’s edge by, for example, protecting sensitive habitats;
(d) to establish and upgrade volunteer marine rescue groups and associated infrastructure;
(e) for education and awareness raising projects such as biofouling, aquatic pest translocation, increasing survival rates of released fish, and sensitive species; and
(f) to increase the capacity of local recreational fishing groups and communities through activities such as monitoring programs, tagging projects and data
collection.

Who can apply?

To be eligible you must be a legal entity, or be sponsored by a legal entity (for example, by your local government or an incorporated community group).
Local Governments are also eligible to apply.

• As a general rule, State and Commonwealth government agencies are not eligible to apply.
  

When do rounds close?

Round 5 of the Programme opened on 27 March 2007 and will close on Friday 25 May 2007.

Round 5 may be the last funding Round of the Programme.

Your project needs to be completed by June 2008 (subject to change).

Interested?

For more details visit www.daff.gov.au/recfishinggrants or call 1800 665 105 or email fishinggrants@daff.gov.au.