Recreational Fishers and related organisations can now apply to catch some big funding as the Territory Government Recreational Fishing Grants open today.
There are two grants available, which recognise the social and economic value of recreational fishing:
· $15,000 for Small Grant Projects
· $100,000 for Priority Large Grant Projects.
The scheme funds projects which lead to new recreational fishing opportunities. This includes the development of infrastructure; better recreational fishing experiences; a vibrant, accessible, inclusive recreational fishing community, or projects which support best practice for sustainable fishing .
Territorians who feel their project will address a strong need in this space, or which have strong community collaboration and support are also encouraged to apply.
The grants have previously been used to hook funding for projects including:
· Katherine Game Fishing Club – Kids Fishing Fun Day 2019
· Palmerston Game Fishing Club - Junior Angling Clinic 2019
· Rapid Creek Landcare - Rapid creek rehabilitation project 2018
· AFANT – Barramundi Tagging Program App
Funding for these grants comes from the Northern Territory Government’s $50 million RecFishing Futures Program.
Applications are judged by a panel which includes representatives from the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade Fisheries Division, the Amateur Fishermen’s Association of the Northern Territory (AFANT) and the Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee (RFAC).
Applicants have until 31 July 2021 to apply for funding.
To find out more about the grants visit: https://industry.nt.gov.au/industries/fisheries/nt-recreational-fishing-grants-scheme
To secure your NT Recreational Fishing Grant funding, apply through the Grants NT website: https://grantsnt.nt.gov.au/
Quotes to be attributed to Minister for Recreational Fishing, Paul Kirby
“The Territory is the best place in the world for fishing and a huge part of our lifestyle, which is why this Government is investing in opportunities to enhance recreational fishing for locals and visitors.
“You can fish in the Territory all year round - it attracts thousands of visitors and creates hundreds of jobs, and this scheme helps deliver exciting opportunities for our recreational fishing community.
“With up to $100,000 up for grabs, I encourage fishing clubs, fishing organisations, Traditional Land Owners, incorporated bodies and businesses to apply for these grants.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the innovative and community-focused ideas that our applicants come up with to propel recreational fishing forward in the Northern Territory.”
Quotes from AFANT CEO David Ciaravolo:
"AFANT is thrilled with the launch of the NT Recreational Fishing Grants, which is consistent with the election commitment we sought last year.
"These grants will leverage community capacity and enable fishing clubs and organisations to deliver projects and events to support Australia's most vibrant recreational fishing sector."
Quotes from Kristen Noble, Palmerston Game Fishing Club
"The support Palmerston Game Fishing Club has received through the NT Recreational Fishing grants has enabled our community event Buddy Boats Day to continue each year. This day is where our members volunteer their time and boats to take people with disabilities fishing.
Buddy Boats Day has become an annual event enjoyed by both our club members and the Territorians with disabilities who get to experience a day fishing out on the water and learn about boating and angling in a safe and sustainable way."
Media Contact - Alex Cannon 0407 239 967