Guy Barnett,Minister for Primary Industries and Water
The Tasmanian Liberal Government is continuing to deliver grants to upgrade facilities and amenities for the more than 100,000 Tasmanians going recreational fishing each year.
Tasmania is home to some of the highest rates of fishing participation in the world, so it is not surprising recreational sea fishers make a significant contribution to the Tasmania’s economy, estimated at $160 million a year.
Making it easier for people to go fishing is an important focus of the Government’s 10-year Recreational Sea Fishing Strategy. The Government wants to see greater participation in our fisheries and waterways, especially by women and young people and people of all abilities.
This goal is being delivered through the $2 million Better Fishing Grants Program, funding new and upgraded facilities and amenities for recreational sea fishers.
The second round of the Better Fishing Grants will be open for applications over the next 12 months from 9 March 2022 to give applicants sufficient time to develop project ideas and prepare submissions.
The Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania has been undertaking an audit of marine and shore-based recreational fishing infrastructure across Tasmania and has identified a range of potential infrastructure upgrades.
Around 100 sites have been audited and more than 250 fishers and other recreational fishing stakeholders have provided their views on infrastructure needs that will be a key consideration in selecting projects for funding.
The aim is to seek proposals to provide, upgrade or retrofit facilities that enhance recreational marine fishing access, or the quality of the fishing experience.
Submissions for both large projects (up to $150,000) and small projects (up to $15,000) are available and might include installing or upgrading:
- pontoons, jetties or other structures for recreational fishing;
- fish cleaning tables, bins, tables, shelters and lighting;
- toilets near fishing facilities;
- paths, steps, walkways or other access routes to fishing locations; and
- other facilities directly associated with recreational shore-based fishing.
Councils, land managers and incorporated not-for-profit organisations (including community groups and fishing clubs) can apply with the goal of improving fishing infrastructure, providing better physical access and helping to increase fisher satisfaction and well-being.
