A total of 19 fishing and community groups who support fishing through clinics, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ cultural fishing activities, research and improving fish habitats, are to receive grants from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries, Mark Furner said that with so many recreational fishers in Queensland it was no surprise the grants had attracted so much interest.
“In 2020 we have increased the funding to $200,000 and we have broadened the criteria to include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ traditional fishing projects, such as signs explaining sea country or education on traditional fishing activities,” Mr Furner said.
“Through this program, we are supporting activities and projects that enhance recreational fishing across our State.”
He said this year the program also looked for opportunities to support regional economic recovery from COVID-19 through non-commercial fishing opportunities.
“More than 60 applications were received from community-based not-for-profit organisations, fishing clubs and incorporated associations, schools and Local Councils,” the Minister said.
“The applications were competitively assessed based on their benefit to recreational and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ fishing, the project need, value for money and alignment with Queensland’s strategic recreational fishing priorities.”
He said funding was awarded across four key activity areas: 13 grants were for education fishing activities; two for fish habitat improvement projects; three for monitoring and research projects, and two for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander traditional fishing education activities.
