Townsville recreational fishing boost as part of $250,000 grant program

Three community organisations in the Townsville region will receive Queensland Government grants to help more people get involved in recreational fishing in the region.

Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said the funding for the organisations will help their activities supporting recreational fishing.

“Fishing is an important way of life for many people in the Townsville region and these grants will help more locals to experience the joys of recreational fishing,” Mr Stewart said.

Member for Mundingburra Les Walker said: “Recreational fishing is also a driver of jobs in the local economy, with everything from bait and tackles sales through to tourism and accommodation.”

Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper said: “This is great news for our region. We know North Queenslanders love to throw a line in and this will help more locals to do just that.”

The Australian Fishing Trade Association will receive $27,310 to provide an Indigenous youth recreational fishing cultural exchange program in Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton and Brisbane.

Sunfish North Queensland branch will receive $4900 to support kids fishing days.

Ingham State School will receive $5000 for community fishing awareness programs.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said the fishing project grants would fund a range of fishing activities across the state.

“Funding through the fishing project grants supports the government’s Sustainable Fisheries Strategy of building a legacy of sustainable fisheries for our children and grandchildren,” Mr Furner said.

“Under Queensland’s Community Fishing Grants Program, 26 community-based not-for-profit organisations, fishing clubs and incorporated associations will receive a total of more than $250,000 for fishing projects such as fishing clinics, research, promoting recreational fishing or fish habitat improvement.

Mr Furner said the grants were a welcome investment for our fishing sectors that are part and parcel of our way of life in Queensland.

“This year, the popular Queensland’s Community Fishing Grants Program has increased from $200 000 to $250 000 and a new Queensland Commercial and Charter Fishing Grants Program of $250 000 been added following the 2021 budget announcements by the Queensland Government,” Mr Furner said.

“The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on fishing has highlighted the importance of supporting all parts of the state’s fishing industry, a diverse recreational, charter and commercial industry and cultural important resource for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders that supports regional jobs and economies.

“This latest round of funding continues the Queensland Government’s proud support of fishing activities across the state.”

FIN

Media contact:          Ron Goodman            0427 781 920