Hook up to a Fishing Grant
15th November, 2007
Federal Member for Wide Bay Warren Truss has welcomed the Coalition’s commitment to continue the Recreational Fishing Community Grants Programme.Mr Truss said the Coalition has decided to extend this very popular programme for a further three years.
“The extension of the Recreational Fishing Community Grants Programme recognises the important contribution recreational fishing makes to local communities,” Mr Truss said.
“Over 3.6 million people in Australia go fishing at least once a year, and 24 per cent of Australian households contain at least one recreational fisher. In our part of the world recreational fishing plays a vital part in the social and economic fabric of our society so I am pleased the Australian Government has moved to reaffirm its commitment to recreational fishing.”
So far grants in previous rounds have been awarded to:
• The Hervey Bay Boat Club - $74,750 to upgrade facilities at the Hervey Bay Volunteer Marine Rescue facility;
• Sunfish Fraser Coast - $47,409 for the establishment of three fish cleaning stations at the Urangan Pier, River Heads and Lions Park at Burrum Heads.;
• Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee - $41,482 for a Fishing Habitat Improvement and Education project.
• The Bjelke-Petersen Dam Fish Management Committee - $10,250 to increase the stocking of saratoga in Bjelke-Petersen Dam;
• Tiaro Shire Council - $20,000 for the upgrade of boat ramps at Tinnanbar and Tiaro;
• The Lake Macdonald Community Fish Hatchery and Education Centre Redevelopment -$40,092 to relocate across to the opposite side of the Lake MacDonald to the site of the botanical gardens;
• Noosa River Entrance Recreational Enhancement Project - $100,000 to create, maintain and protect fish habitat, provide both pedestrian and wheelchair access to fishing areas, educate anglers and provide Fishing Line Recovery Bins for used fishing line.
“This is an extremely popular programme, and rightly so. I would urge local groups wanting to apply for funds through the programme to begin planning as soon as possible to make sure that they have the best possible chance of accessing funds,” Mr Truss said.
“I know the important role that recreational fishing plays in our local communities and I am hopeful that the high quality of applications seen in our area in past rounds continues.”
ENDS
