NORTHERN Tablelands MP Adam Marshall is urging local anglers and fishing organisations to apply for a share in more than $15 million funding as part of the 2016 NSW Recreational Fishing Trust projects.
Mr Marshall said recreational fishing was a great pastime enjoyed by many in country NSW and that program put fishing license fees to excellent use.
“Applications are now open for innovative projects to improve recreational fishing right across the Northern Tablelands,” Mr Marshall said.
“This program is a great opportunity for fishers, clubs and community groups in the Northern Tablelands to get their own fishing project afloat to enhance and improve local facilities or increase fish stocks.
“The state government is committed to reinvesting the sale of recreational license fees back into the recreational fishing sector.”
Mr Marshall said a wide range of projects had been funded in recent years, including recreational fishing education workshops, fishing platforms and cleaning tables, freshwater fish stocking and fish aggregating devices.
Applications for funding from the Trust made by individual anglers, fishing clubs and local councils are carefully considered to ensure benefits to recreational fishing are maximized.
Mr Marshall said the government was proud of its recreational fishing sector, which generated around $1.6 billion to the state’s economy each year and accounted for more than 14,000 jobs.
Applications for funding are open until Monday 21 March and contributing funding, joint applications and in-kind support or voluntary labour are also encouraged. Projects that will enhance inland rivers and dams and lakes will be considered for funding.
For more information or to apply, email recreational.fishingtrust@dpi.nsw.gov.au or visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/recreational/licence-fee/apply-for-funds