Grants of approximately $500,000 will be available in the next round of the Queensland Government’s popular fishing grants program.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said the grants, offered through two programs, will fund a variety of community fishing projects aimed at improving recreational and traditional fishing throughout the State, as well as supporting the commercial and charter fishing industries.
“Under Queensland’s Community Fishing Grants Program, $250,000 is available for community-based not-for-profit organisations, fishing clubs and incorporated associations. The grants will fund activities like kids’ fishing clinics, social inclusion fishing programs, recreational fish tagging, habitat restoration and fishway barrier remediation,” Minister Furner stated.
According to Minister Furner, a further $250,000 has been granted to the Commercial and Charter Fishing Grant Program to encourage activities that promote industry innovation, and best practise in fisheries management in Queensland.
“This includes projects such as trialling electronic monitoring systems, biomass estimates for coral species, effectiveness of electronic shark deterrents and industry-led campaigns to promote sustainable seafood and commercial fisher well-being,” Minister Furner added.
The Minister said each year, the fishing grants program grew in popularity.
“More than 100 applications, a 58 per cent increase on the previous year, were received during the expression of interest process for the 2021-22 grants programs, with 30 projects successfully funded. These projects support the Queensland Government’s Sustainable Fisheries Strategy of building a legacy of sustainable fisheries for our children and grandchildren,” Minister Furner stated.
The Minister added that he anticipates a similar level of interest in this year’s funding, and he encourages recreational fishing groups, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, commercial and charter fishermen to apply as soon as possible.
“This is another way we are supporting the thousands of good jobs that rely on fishing, and supporting a great lifestyle for our children and grandchildren,” the Minister said.
Expressions of interest for the funds will be taken online until 7 December 2022.
