Recreational Fishing Grants Working Group Meeting 24

31 March 2015 - Location: Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources, 1 Spring Street, Melbourne

Independent Chair's Summary

This was the 24th meeting of the Recreational Fishing Grants Working Group.

Key items discussed included:

• Assessment of 2014/15 RFGP Commissioning grant application
• Assessment of 2014/15 RFGP Large grant applications
• 2014/15 Recreational Fishing Grants Program
• RFL reform update
• RFL fish stocking expenditure

Assessment of 2014/15 RFGP Commissioning grant application

The RFGWG completed their assessment of Commissioning Grant No. 06 2015/16 Communication and Compliance Products. There was consensus that this commissioning bid should be supported for the requested $166,347.10, with additional funds of up to $6,000 towards the production of 200 extra metal fish rulers for freshwater fishing locations.

Assessment of 2014/15 RFGP Large grant applications 

The RFGWG completed their assessment in relation to the 40 applications received through the 2014/15 RFL Large Grants Program, with in principle support  for 18 of the 40 applications to be funded for a total of $1,084,174.41 of RFL Trust Fund revenue,  pending additional information/clarification on several projects as highlighted in the meeting.

2014/15 Recreational Fishing Grants Program

Following finalisation and  RFGWG agreement, the Secretariat, Recreational Fishing Grants Program will prepare a brief to the Minister to advise of the Working Group's recommendations in relation to applications received through the 2014/15 RFL Large Grants program.  

RFL reform update

Fisheries Manager Brian Mottram reported that RFL reform involving price increases would not be undertaken during the first term of the Andrews Government, as this would be in breach of an election promise not to increase fees and taxes.

However work will be undertaken to make available plastic card 1-year and 3-year Recreational Fishing Licences through online sales. Work will also be undertaken to provide cross border licencing arrangements between Victoria and New South Wales which will be more convenient for anglers.

RFL fish stocking expenditure

Fisheries Manager Brian Mottram provided an explanation on how RFL funds that are provided for fish stocking are expended. The RFGWG requested that a report be provided on how RFL funds provided for compliance are utilised.

Next meeting: TBA

Rob Loats
Independent Chair
Recreational Fishing Grants Working Group