Volunteers sought for fishing licence advisory committee

31 July 2024

The Victorian Fisheries Authority is seeking nominations from keen recreational fishers to join an advisory committee that provides advice to government on how best to spend fishing licence fees.

All the money raised from fishing licences goes directly to improving recreational fishing in Victoria including more fish stocking, increased enforcement, better fishing access and healthier waterways.

VFA CEO, Travis Dowling, said the Recreational Fishing Licence Trust Advisory Committee consists of eight recreational fishers and an independent chairperson appointed for a three-year term, who collectively bring together a diverse range of fishing knowledge and experience from across the state.

“These volunteers review and prioritise project submissions from fishing clubs, community groups, councils and government agencies,” Mr Dowling said.

“They do a great job and have proven that recreational fishers are passionate about protecting and growing Victoria’s fantastic fisheries.

“We are looking for grass roots fishers with a range of skills and ideas to provide advice on the best projects that will lead to even better freshwater and saltwater fisheries in Victoria.

“The next term of the committee will again include 50 per cent representation by women, which provides an excellent opportunity to get broader insight into better fishing opportunities across all of the community. We are committed to getting more women, children and families fishing.”

Mr Dowling said the advisory committee will also monitor and advise on recreational fishing licence fees that are commonly allocated to fish production and stocking, fish habitat improvement, better access and facilities, fisheries education, extra Fisheries Officers and research into popular species.

Nominations for the advisory committee close on 22 August 2024.

For an Expression of Interest form or to understand more, contact Andrew Telburn at the Reddin Group on 0412 342 073 or via email andrew@reddingroup.com.au