Increased funding for Queensland recreational fishermen

More than $1.4 million in recreational fishing grants is up for grabs in Queensland, Australia.

The region’s government has expanded its popular round of fishing grants for an industry that supports more than 3,000 jobs across the state. Recreational fishermen, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, local councils and charter businesses are all eligible for the grants.

“This funding aligns with the government’s Sustainable Fisheries Strategy of building a legacy for our children and grandchildren,” said the Minister of Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Minister for Rural Communities, Mark Furner. “Investing more than $1.4 million in Queensland’s fishing industry recognises the impact Covid-19 has had on this multi-faceted industry. Maintaining these jobs is an important part of Queensland’s Covid-19 Economic Recovery Plan. The grants will be welcomed by an industry that is part and parcel of our way of life and is important to the broader community.”

Furner explained that $250,000 is available for community-based not-for-profit organisations, fishing clubs and incorporated associations, for activities such as fishing clinics, research, promoting recreational fishing or fish habitat improvement.

“Additionally, local and regional councils can apply for a total of $949,000, provided by the Federal Government, for the Fishing Infrastructure Grants Program for projects that benefit recreational fishing, boating or camping in Queensland,” he added.

“And $250,000 has been allocated to the Commercial and Charter Fishing Grant Program to fund activities that modernise fisheries management in Queensland through innovation and best practice.”

Expressions of interest for the grants will be accepted until September 11th, 2021. Interested parties are urged to act quickly. A total of 61 applications were received for the 2020/21 grants programme, of which 24 were successful.