The Fishing Licence Trust celebrated its 20th birthday this month, having provided fishing opportunities through hundreds of projects delivered by fishing clubs, community groups and Government Agencies.
Minister for Fishing and Boating, Melissa Horne said the Recreational Fishing Licence (RFL) Trust Account had made a significant difference to fishing in Victoria since its establishment on 1 April 2001 through a range of programs across the State.
“Victoria became the first Australian State to introduce a recreational fishing licence in 1999, and the following year the Fisheries Act 1995 was amended to establish the Trust Account in order to collect and distribute revenue from fishing licences,” Ms Horne said.
“Fishing license fees raise $8.5 million annually,” she said.
“This money is then reinvested into fish production at Snobs Creek hatchery and the State-wide stocking program; better facilities and more fish habitat through the Recreational Fishing Grants programs; advocacy on behalf of recreational fishers through VRFish; extra Fisheries Officers; and a range of educational initiatives.”
Ms Horne said landmark projects funded by fishing licence fees over the past 20 years included developing Lake Eildon into a Murray cod fishery; buying back commercial fishing licences; deploying recreational fishing reefs; establishing a Wild Trout Management Program; and funding more fisheries officer positions.
The Minister said more than $7.3 million in research and science projects were made possible by the contribution of recreational fishers.
She said the Recreational Fishing Licence Trust Advisory Committee, which consisted mostly of volunteer fishers, guided the investment of funds each year to ensure licence fees were put to work on the projects that matter most.
