Recreational fishing fees fund small scale projects

by Stephanie Ryan on 15 Sep 2011 Revenue from the sale of recreational fishing licences has funded 14 new small projects to improve opportunities for recreational fishers in Victoria.

Minister for Agriculture and Food Security Peter Walsh said the projects were funded through the Small Grants Program.

'The Small Grants Program is open year round to fishing clubs and associations, not-for-profit organisations, schools and government agencies and incorporated bodies, for grants of up to $5000,' Mr Walsh said.

The 14 small grants announced today include:

$5000 to conduct a ‘Water Safety (Rock Fishing) Education Day’ for new migrants at Queenscliff.
$4570 towards the Lakes Entrance Fishing Convention.
$4550 to Yarra Valley Fly Fishers Inc. for a ‘Community Fishing Festival’ at Lilydale Lake.
$3850 for a ‘Recreational Fishing Expo’ at Wonthaggi to promote safe and responsible fishing practices to the community, including new migrants to the Bass Coast.
$3180 to the Association of Geelong & District Angling Clubs Inc. to conduct the annual ‘Ron Nelson Memorial Junior Fishing Clinic’ at Seagull Lake.
$2000 for a junior fishing event on the Franklin River run by the Port Franklin Tennis and Sport Club.
$1894 to the Game Fishing Association of Victoria to produce and distribute a game fishing promotional flyer.
$1800 towards the 2012 Prom Coast Summer Festival.
$1360 to VRFish so a member can attend the Murray Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) native fish strategy forum.
$1350 for a ‘Family Fishing Day’ at Port Welshpool.
$1200 to the Northern Suburbs Fly Fishing Club for a ‘Kids Come and Try Fishing Day’ at Yarrambat Park Lake.
$975 to Native Fish Australia so a representative can attend the MDBA native fish strategy forum in Canberra.
$805 to the Fawkner & Merlynston Angling Club Inc. to conduct a ‘Kids Come and Try Fishing Day’ at Jake Roper Reserve Lake.
$631 to the Ballarat District Anglers Association for a ‘Kids Come and Try Fishing Day’ at Victoria Park Lakes.

Mr Walsh said from October 1 organisations with good ideas for recreational fishing projects could also apply for large grants under the 2011-12 Recreational Fishing Grants Program.

'We want to help those angling groups and local government agencies who know what needs to be done to improve fishing opportunities in their local area,' Mr Walsh said.

'That could be fish stocking, fishing platforms and fish cleaning tables next to boat ramps or access tracks along riverbanks.'

Large grants are available for projects of up to $100,000 for sustainability and habitat improvement, fishing access and facilities, education, information and training and recreational fisheries research.

Large grant submissions must be received by February 29, 2012, and are open to fishing clubs, community groups, incorporated bodies, registered companies and government and statutory bodies.

To apply or for more information visit DPI Victoria website