Recreational Fishing Grants Working Group Meeting 10
11 APRIL 2011 - SOUTH EAST AUSTRALIAN MARITIME EDUCATION CENTRE, BULLOCK ISLAND, LAKES ENTRANCE VIC
Independent Chair's Summary
This was the 10th meeting of the Recreational Fishing Grants Working Group.
Key items discussed in the meeting included:
- DPI Presentation – Marketing & Communications
- Forward-committing RFL Trust Account revenue to fund Recreational Fishing Grants Program Projects
- Financial status of Recreational Fishing Licence Trust Account for 2010/11
- Progress on projects previously approved to receive RFL Trust Account funding
- VRFish – Project Variation Request
- Small Recreational Fishing Grants Program
- 2010/11 Recreational Fishing Grants Program – Commissioning Grants Program
- Assessment of 2010/11 Recreational Fishing Grants Program Large Grant Applications
DPI Presentation – Marketing & Communications
Marc Ainsworth, Communication Manager, DPI provided a presentation regarding Fisheries Victoria's continuing approach to communicating the 'Your Fishing Licence Fees at Work' message and promoting the benefits to Victorian recreational fishing from the annual Recreational Fishing Grants Program.
The Working Group agreed that communicating outcomes of completed projects to recreational fishers, in particular, recreational fisheries-related research reports, continues to be a high priority.
Forward-committing RFL Trust Account revenue to fund RFGP Projects
At RFGWG meeting #8, the Working Group supported a proposal to forward-commit RFL Trust Account revenue to fund RFGP projects.
The Working Group noted that Fisheries Victoria will provide further advice regarding the 'business rules' that would apply to this arrangement.
Status of Recreational Fishing Licence Trust Account
DPI provided an update on the status of the 2010/11 RFL Trust Account revenue and expenditure to the Working Group.
The Working Group noted the estimated cash position at 30 June 2011, which includes provision to fund the out-years of previously approved Recreational Fishing Grants Program projects.
Progress on projects previously approved to receive RFL T/A funding
Since the commencement of the RFGP in 2001/02, RFL revenue has funded over 350 projects worth more than $13.7 million across Victoria to improve recreational fishing opportunities.
The Working Group received an update on the progress of previously funded RFGP projects that are yet to be completed. Currently, there are 63 projects in progress, including one small event, 23 small grants and 39 projects from previous years.
The Working Group noted the status of 63 projects that are currently in progress and the expected completion dates.
Project Variation request
The Working Group considered and did not support a project variation seeking additional RFL Trust Account funding of $161,150 (GST inclusive) for a project to construct two fishing platforms and access pathways from K Road car park to approximately 600m downstream of eastern side of Werribee River through the 2008/09 round of the Recreational Fishing Grants Program.
Small Recreational Fishing Grants Program
DPI provided an update on the program and advised the Working Group that 61 projects had been approved for funding under the program thus far.
The Working Group noted the progress of the Small Grants Program and considered a further two applications for funding.
2010/11 Recreational Fishing Grants Program – concepts for potential projects under the Commissioning Program
DPI provided a presentation on two concepts for the consideration of the Working Group through the 2010/11 Commissioning Grants Program.
The Working Group provided their qualified support for the projects for referral to the Minister for Agriculture and Food Security for funding consideration.
Assessment of 2010/11 Recreational Fishing Grants Program Large Grant Applications
The primary role of the Working Group is to provide advice to the Minister Responsible for Fisheries on expenditure of all Recreational Fishing Licence (RFL) revenue.
The Working Group discussed the 2010/11 Large Grant applications received and the grant assessment criteria. Eligible grant applications were assessed, scored and ranked accordingly.
The Working Group provided their qualified support for a number of projects for referral to the Minister for Agriculture and Food Security for funding consideration.
Next meeting: 11 - 22 July 2011 - Date to be advised.
John Diplock
Independent Chair
Recreational Fishing Grants Working Group