FROM THE MINISTER RESPONSIBLE FOR FISHERIES

FISHERS TO GET GREATER SAY ON SPENDING LICENCE FUNDS

Tuesday, 9 June 2009

A new working group is being set up to provide advice on the best way to spend Recreational Fishing Licences funds in Victoria.

Minister Responsible for Fisheries Joe Helper said the Brumby Labor Government was delivering on an election commitment to give recreational fishers better opportunities to contribute to the sustainable management of Victoria’s fisheries.

"One of the government’s commitments was to review the way decisions were made about spending recreational fishers’ licence money,” Mr Helper said.

"The new eight-member group will include fishers from across Victoria, a person nominated by VRFish and one representing the recreational fishing businesses that support the multi-million dollar industry. 

"We are now inviting people with collective knowledge and experience of marine and freshwater fishing to submit an expression of interest to become a member of the Recreational Fishing Grants Working Group.

"One of the first tasks for the working group will be to provide advice on a survey of recreational fishing licence holders to identify their priorities for the expenditure of licence money, including several exciting new opportunities for recreational fishing.”

In 2007/08, licence sales generated more than $4.6 million which was used to fund:

• 21 projects to improve access for anglers to popular fishing spots, improve fish habitat, undertake fisheries research and other projects to improve recreational fishing;
• The operation of the Victorian Recreational Fishing body (VRFish);
• A buy-out of bay and inlet commercial fishing licences; and
• A contribution to the cost of providing Fisheries Officers.

Since its inception in 2001, the Recreational Fishing Grants Program has funded almost 240 projects worth more than $8.5 million.

VRFish chairman Geoff Cramer said his organisation worked closely with the government to help set a new process that is open and should provide better value for all recreational fishers.

Future Fish Foundation Executive Director David Kramer welcomed the news.

"The new working group delivers on the Victorian Government’s commitment to give recreational fishers a greater say in how their licence fees are spent to improve their sport and the opportunity to apply to join the group is open to all fishers,” Mr Kramer said.

Fishers interested in joining the new working group can get more information at www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing