Media Releases

Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell has encouraged Victoria’s recreational fishing community to seek a constructive engagement with local government to help improve the quality of and opportunity for recreational fishing in Victoria.

Addressing the VRFish State Council meeting in Shepparton today, Minister Powell also noted the economic and social importance of fishing and outlined the Victorian Government’s commitment to improving recreational fishing in the state.

“The Victorian Coalition Government understands the benefits that flow from a vibrant recreational fishing sector and has committed a record $16.2 million towards improving recreational fishing in the state,” Mrs Powell said.

“The $16.2 million in Victorian Government funding will deliver better access and facilities, more fish stocking and will improve and protect fish movement and migration.

“The Victorian Government is also committed to better consultation and engagement with anglers, conducting ongoing research into fisheries and strengthening fisheries compliance.”

Minister Powell noted that locally the Victorian Coalition Government had already embarked on a number of projects including:
• improved boat access for Nathalia residents to the Broken Creek;
• substantial increases in fish stocking throughout the upper, lower and mid sections of
the Goulburn River, Lake Eildon and Lake Nagambie; and
• reinstated access to the iconic junction of the Goulburn and Murray Rivers near Echuca.

A 2009 Ernst and Young Economic Study of Recreational Fishing in Victoria found that recreational fishing is estimated to contribute approximately $825 million annually to the gross state product of the Victorian economy.

“The economic contribution to regional communities cannot be underestimated but nor should
the equally important social benefits fishing brings,” Mrs Powell said.

State Member for Shepparton, Jeanette Powell today advised the 2011/12 Recreational Fishing Grants Program has commenced.
Mrs Powell said this year the program consists of two parts:
1. A Small Grants program that is continually open to fund small recreational fishing projects up to $5000 (GST Inclusive); and
2. A Large Grants program for projects from $5001 to $100,000 (GST Inclusive).
“These grants are a great opportunity for community not-for-profit organisations, angling clubs/associations, schools and other local groups to develop projects which will provide benefits to public recreational fishing in the Shepparton District,” Mrs Powell said.
“The Small Grants Program in particular offers the opportunity to conduct an event to promote responsible fishing practices, improve angling skills and knowledge or increase participation in recreational fishing.
“Events could include a workshop or training session on aspects of recreational fishing, a ‘Come and try’ fishing day, fish-a-thons or club promotion days,” Mrs Powell said.
Applications for the Large Grants Program include:
1. Fisheries’ sustainability and habitat improvement
2. Fishing access and facilities
3. Fisheries-related education, information and training
4. Recreational fisheries-related research
Applications in the Small Grants Program are open year round while applications for the Large Grants Program will be accepted until 29 February 2012.
Further information is available from Mrs Powell’s Office 5 Vaughan Street, Shepparton,
ph 58316944 or The Secretariat, Recreational Fishing Grants Working Group on 9658 4779.

State Member for Shepparton, Jeanette Powell, is encouraging local individuals, groups and organisations take advantage of the 2010/11 Recreational Fishing Grants Program (RFGP).
“If you’ve got a great project that will improve recreational fishing in our region, apply for a Recreational Fishing Grant,” Mrs Powell said.
“Fishing is a popular pastime and major economic and social contributor to the Shepparton District.
“The Goulburn and Broken River systems provide good fishing and this is a great opportunity for clubs and groups to obtain funds to improve the facilities and habitat.”
The RFGP consists of two separate grants programs:
1. A Small Grants program that is continually open to fund projects up to $5000
2. A Large Grants Program for projects from $5001 to $100,000

Funding is available in four categories, with the exclusive aim of improving recreational fishing in Victoria and includes:
• recreational fishing access and facilities;
• recreational fisheries' sustainability and habitat improvement;
• recreational fisheries-related education, information and training; and
• Recreational fisheries related research.

Mrs Powell said in past years, successful projects in northern Victoria have included erecting signage and electronically tagging fish for tracking purposes.
“If you do have a good idea then get your angling club, association, local council, Catchment Management Authority or the Victorian Recreational Fishing peak body (VRFish) to support and submit the application,” Mrs Powell said.
Applications for the Large Grants must be submitted by close of business on 31 March 2011.
To obtain a copy of the guidelines and application form contact Mrs Powell’s office at 5 Vaughan Street, Shepparton, telephone 58316944; The Secretariat, Recreational Fishing Grants Program, Fisheries Victoria GPO Box 4440 MELBOURNE 3001; or email rec.fishinggrants@dpi.vic.gov.au