The Minns Labor Government is reeling in wins for recreational fishers, with a suite of announcements from providing nearly $390,000 in grants to deliver better facilities, a crackdown on unscrupulous fishing licence sellers, and establishing new representative and advisory bodies to secure the future of recreational fishing, the industry, and the state's fisheries resources.
These suite of wins for recreational fishers are part of the Minns Government's plan to make fishing more accessible, sustainable and more representative of the real people who line our wharves, beaches, or sit in tinnies on rivers dangling a line into the water.
New Facilities & Learning Funding
In a win for recreational fishers, 18 projects have received grants of up to $50,000 for fishing facilities and up to $10,000 for education projects to be delivered by local fishing clubs, councils, schools and community groups including:
- Construct accessible fishing platform, Red Rock Reserve, Mid North Coast, Wooli - $50,000
- Upgrades fishing platforms at Walgett Weir; Scylla Bay, Como; Belton Park, Forster $147,700
- Replacement of three dated fish cleaning blocks with tables at the Menindee Lakes system, between Lake Pamamaroo and Lake Wetherell $45,776
- Re-surfacing of boat ramps at Lavender Point, Tuross Lake and Mill Bay, Narooma $90,000
- Produce a local fishing guide, Merimbula Big Game & Lakes Angling Club - $5,500
- Fishing education sessions for beginners and children, Tumbulgum Fishing Club - $8,000
The Minns Government is now inviting applications for the 2026 Recreational Fishing Trust grants to support projects that improve fishing experiences and strengthen sustainability. Applications for the 2026 funding round are now open and will close on 9 October 2026.
Cracking down on dishonest fishing licence sellers
The NSW Government is responding to unauthorised websites exploiting recreational fishers by charging hidden or misleading fees, so that applicants are paying multiple times the cost for a simple NSW Government fishing licence.
The Government has received reports of people being charged $128 for two 1-month fishing licences which should have only cost $28.
The crackdown will hit people profiteering from recreational fishers without affecting authorised agents who operate under agreements with the NSW Government.
Third party recreational fishing licence sellers, operating online, who charge customers exorbitant processing fees on top of recreational fishing fees will be targeted as part of reforms the Minns Government is proposing to Parliament in the Fisheries Management Amendment (Enforcement) Bill.
Representative Organisations For Rec Fishers, Industry & Fisheries Resources
The state's recreational fishing sector deserves sensible voices that represents the wide makeup of fishing across NSW – from recreational fishing businesses, commercial fishers, fisheries resources experts and the everyday rec fisher.
Following the release of the Enhancing Recreational Fishing in NSW Action Plan 2026-2031 earlier this year, respected recreational fishing industry leader Greg Seeto has been appointed as the interim Chair of the new NSW Recreational Fishing Peak Body.
The NSW Recreational Fishing Peak Body will represent and advocate for recreational fishers, promote responsible and sustainable fishing, support fair access to fishing opportunities, and strengthen participation in recreational fishing across the State.
Mr Seeto will play a leadership role in the process to appoint board members of the inaugural board and guide the establishment of the body and he will hold the position until the first AGM.
He is the Managing Director of Daiwa Australia and President of the Australian Fishing Trade Association and brings extensive leadership and strong governance experience, plus a deep understanding of recreational fishing.
The NSW Government is also seeking expressions of interest from people with fisheries expertise and experience to join the newly established Ministerial Fisheries Advisory Council, helping shape the sustainable future of NSW fisheries by directly advising Government.
The Council will be the primary source of advice to the Minister for Agriculture on fisheries management issues, providing expertise from across the recreational fishing, commercial fishing, Aboriginal fishing, aquaculture and conservation sectors.
The provision of independent strategic advice to the Minister will support evidence-based decision making and ensure fisheries remain productive and sustainable for future generations.
The Government is streamlining existing advisory arrangements into this single cross-sector Advisory Council, providing a more holistic and integrated approach to fisheries advice.
Expressions of interest will open shortly and applicants with relevant knowledge, skills and experience are encouraged to apply via the DPIRD website.
In addition to the Ministerial Fisheries Advisory Council, fishers are strongly represented through Fishing Industry NSW which was recently established as the peak body for the commercial fishing sector and the establishment of the Recreational Fishing Peak Body is underway.
The specialist Aboriginal Fishing Advisory Council and Recreational Fishing Trusts Advisory Council will continue in their current roles.
Further Information
Apply For Grants - https://www.dpird.nsw.gov.au/fishing/recreational/recreational-fishing-fee/licence-fees-at-work/apply-for-funds.
Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:
"From better fishing platforms and cleaning facilities to hands-on education for the next generation of fishers, these grants are delivering real benefits where they're needed most.
"We know local communities have great ideas about how to improve their fishing spots, and we would encourage them to apply for a grant through the next funding round.
"The appointment of Greg Seeto is an important step in establishing a strong, independent voice for recreational fishers across NSW.
"The Recreational Fishing Peak Body will play a key role in representing fishers' interests, promoting sustainable fishing practices and helping ensure recreational fishing remains accessible and enjoyable for future generations.
"The Ministerial Fisheries Advisory Council will bring together expertise from across the fishing, aquaculture, Aboriginal and conservation sectors to help inform decisions on the future of our fisheries.
"This new approach provides a clear and structured advisory pathway focused on ensuring fisheries resources remain sustainable into the future, while supporting aquaculture, cultural fishing, quality recreational fishing and viable commercial fishing opportunities."
