Grants reeling in bright fishing future

Upgrades to jetties and pontoons around the State, including on King Island are among seven grants awarded through round five of the Better Fishing Grants Program.

The $760,000 in funding delivered under this round of the program is part of a $3 million Government funding commitment to our saltwater angling community.

Minister for Business, Industry and Resources, Eric Abetz, said that investing in infrastructure and facilities to improve recreational fishing experiences was a no-brainer.

“With the longest coastline relative to land area of any state in Australia, Tasmania offers great opportunities for recreational sea fishing,” Minister Abetz said.

“Recreational fishing is deeply embedded in our communities, and the Tasmanian Government is proud to support it as part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future."

Successful project applicants for round five are:

• King Island Council for the refurbishment of Naracoopa Jetty.
• Central Coast Council for the refurbishment of Penguin Jetty.
• West Tamar Council for the refurbishment of Devoit Pontoon and Bonnies Beach Pontoon.
• Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies for monitoring infrastructure for fish aggregation devices.
• Rose Bay High School for equipment for a sustainable fishing program.
• Kingborough Council for installing a light and safety ladder at Barnes Bay Jetty.

Applications are now open for round six of the Better Fishing Grants Program and will close on May 23.

Small and large project categories provide for funding opportunities for up to $30,000 and $300,000 respectively.

More information can be found on the website of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania located at https://fishing.tas.gov.au/get-involved/grants/better-fishing-grants