The Minns Labor Government has today announced more than $930,000 of funding to improve and promote recreational fishing across the North Coast region ensuring money from the Recreational Fishing Trusts is spent on the ground supporting local anglers.
The funding is part of the Minns Government's plans to build fishing opportunities across the state and ensure that fishing remains accessible, sustainable, and enjoyable for generations to come.
The North Coast fishing community will see the benefits of new fishing infrastructure, with some $310,000 of grants awarded towards the construction of facilities including:
- $280,000 for new accessible fishing platforms at Tumbulgum Village and Terranora Creek
- $11,987 for a new fish cleaning table and shelter at Wooli Terrace Boat Ramp
Young people and students on the North Coast will soon be able to learn important life skills and enjoy the benefits of casting a line, with $36,000 funding approved for:
- $7,510 to establish new fishing sessions for Banora Point High School students
- $7,500 for fishing for wellbeing primary school programs at Tweed Heads, Tweed Heads South and Cudgen Public Schools
- $4,000 for resources for the new "Coastal Explorers" initiative for learning support classes at Maclean High School
- $8,300 for Sawtell Public School recreational fishing for sport each week
- $9,600 for Byron Youth Service Inc's 'Tight Lines' fishing and mentoring program
A further $586,000 over the next two years has also been allocated to the community partnership between OzFish and Landcare NSW to improve 40 waterways across the North Coast and the state.
The funding, from the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust, demonstrates how licence fees are invested to boost recreational fishing in NSW, through new fishing infrastructure and programs to promote the well-being benefits of getting outside and casting a line.
The North Coast grants are part of some $2.4 million in funding to be allocated in the latest round of grants.
These grants are in addition to the NSW Government's Get Hooked program which allows primary and secondary schools to incorporate recreational fishing subjects in their curriculum.
In 2024/25, more than 415,000 recreational fishing licences were issued, with all revenue raised reinvested into programs and projects that support and grow recreational fishing activity and the environment for vibrant fish habitats.
Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:
"The NSW Government is proud to support projects that promote and build recreational fishing opportunities across the state and ensure that fishing remains accessible, sustainable, and enjoyable for generations to come.
"These grants are about making sure money from the Recreational Fishing Trust is funnelled back to on-the-ground activities and is supporting the fishers who are out wetting a line.
"Whether it's a new fish cleaning tables or accessible fishing platforms for people with disabilities, these infrastructure projects make a real difference to ensuring people of all ages and abilities can enjoy recreational fishing.
"It's great to see programs funded through the Recreational Fishing Trust are helping young people experience the health, social, and emotional benefits of fishing.
"As someone who understands the joy and relaxation fishing brings, I'm thrilled to see licence fees being invested back to fund so many great ideas.
Minister for Recovery, Small Business and the North Coast, Janelle Saffin said:
"Spending time by the water is something many in our region treasure - so it's great to see funding towards projects that will improve recreational fishing on the North Coast and help our local community get the most out of our stunning waterways.
"By investing in better fishing facilities from Tweed to Port Macquarie, these Recreational Fishing Trust Fund grants will make fishing more enjoyable for everyone, from families to seasoned locals."
"There is no doubt that recreational fishing can have a powerful impact on well-being and these grants will help more North Coast youth experience those benefits in the short term and for years to come."
