Far North Queensland recreational fishing boost as part of $250,000 grant program

Six community organisations in Far North Queensland will receive Queensland Government grants to help more people get involved in recreational fishing in the region.

Member for Cairns Michael Healy said the grants will help the organisations activities supporting recreational fishing.

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

Member for Cook Cynthia Lui 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.”

The Tableland Fish Stocking Society will receive $4893 to conduct recreational fishing educational clinics.

The Catholic Church Cairns Diocese will receive $3105 to conduct a community fishing day.

Smithfield State High School will put its $3850 grant towards its Fish to Live, Fish to Learn program.

The Junction Clubhouse will receive $4600 towards its Let’s Explore FNQ program.

The Mossman Boat and Fishing Club will receive $1425 to support its fishing for the Future project with children.

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.

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