The Minns Labor Government is delivering on another election commitment by commencing consultation on an independent peak body to represent the interests of the State's more than one million recreational fishers.
This is part of the NSW Government's plan to build a better NSW and to boost economic activity in regional NSW.
More than $1 million has been earmarked to fund the new body and to assist it drive on ground outcomes for the State's recreational fishers.
The recreational fishing industry is major contributor to our coastal and inland communities and generates about $3.4 billion of economic activity in NSW each year. The industry also creates the equivalent of about 14,000 fulltime jobs.
The NSW Government made an election commitment to establish a peak body for the State's recreational fishers and has worked with the fishing representatives to develop their vision for a peak body that is:
- a viable and respected professional body: to deliver representation that effectively champions the future of recreational fishing
- representative of all NSW recreational fishers: including affiliated and unaffiliated fishers from diverse backgrounds
- independent of Government: to enable apolitical representation to advance the priorities and needs of recreational fishers
- collaborative and solutions-oriented: to work constructively with Government and other bodies to deliver solutions for recreational fishers.
The people of NSW are now encouraged to have their say on this important process. Public consultation is open from 6 August 2025 to 1 October 2025.
To learn more and provide your feedback, visit the NSW Government's Have Your Say website.
Our culturally and linguistically diverse fishing community are encouraged to use the translate feature on the Have Your Say website, which offers access in multiple languages and provides a contact for support with submissions.
Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:
"Recreational fishing is a vital part of life for many people in NSW.
"The NSW Government is committed to supporting a thriving, inclusive and sustainable recreational fishing sector that encourages participation across all communities.
"This peak body will work closely with the NSW Government to effectively represent the interests of for all NSW recreational fishers.
"The recreational fishing industry is vital to the NSW economy and one the NSW Government is committed to supporting in a cohesive, productive and positive way."
Peak Body Working Group member, Karl Mathers said:
"The model for this peak body has been designed to ensure an inclusive and collaborative organisation to help advance the priorities and needs of NSW's recreational fishers.
"Your feedback is important to ensure the final model reflects the needs and perspectives of recreational fishers from all corners of the state."
