Recreational Fishing Grants Working Group Meeting 11
30 MAY 2011 - LOCATION: DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRIES, 1 SPRING STREET, MELBOURNE, VIC.
Independent Chair's Summary
This was the 11th meeting of the Recreational Fishing Grants Working Group.
Key items discussed included:
- 2011/12 RFL Trust Account Revenue Expenditure Communications Plan
- Forward-committing RFL Trust Account revenue to fund Recreational Fishing Grants Program Projects
- Progress on projects previously approved to receive RFL Trust Account funding
- Fisheries Research Branch – Project Variation Request
- 2010/11 Recreational Fishing Grants Program – concepts for potential projects under the Commissioning Program
- Proposal to implement electronic grants management system (SmartyGrants)
- Small Recreational Fishing Grants Program
2011/12 RFL Trust Account Revenue Expenditure Communications Plan
The 2011/12 plan aims to continue to raise awareness of the three-tiered Recreational Fishing Grants Program (RFGP) amongst the recreational fishing community, and encourage quality project proposals from eligible organisations within the Small and Large Grant Programs.
The Working Group agreed with the need to implement the proposed plan and subsequent expenditure of RFL Trust Account funds. Furthermore, the Working Group agreed that the promotion of the RFGP, including completed projects (and newly funded projects) continues to be a priority and supports the sponsorship of a recreational fishing television program to be funded from RFL Trust Account revenue.
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 application of this arrangement.
Progress on projects previously approved to receive RFL Trust Account funding
Since the commencement of the RFGP in 2001/02, RFL revenue has funded over 360 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 62 projects in progress, including 23 small grants and 39 projects from previous years.
The Working Group noted the status of 62 projects that are currently in progress and the expected completion dates.
Project Variation request
The Working Group considered a project variation seeking additional RFL Trust Account funding of $24,200 (GST not applicable) to expand the 'Quantifying the recreational catch of southern blue-fin tuna in south west Victoria' project, which was funded through the 2009/10 round of the Recreational Fishing Grants Program – Large Grants Program; the variation sought was to include gathering data from anglers who are trying to catch these tuna out of Apollo Bay.
The Working Group provided their support for the project variation for referral to the Minister for Agriculture and Food Security for funding consideration.
2010/11 Recreational Fishing Grants Program – concepts for potential projects under the Commissioning Program
DPI provided a presentation on a concept for the consideration of the Working Group through the 2010/11 Commissioning Grants Program.
The Working Group provided their support for the project for referral to the Minister for Agriculture and Food Security for funding consideration.
Proposal to implement electronic grants management system (SmartyGrants)
DPI put forward a proposal to implement an electronic grants management system (SmartyGrants).
SmartyGrants is a cost effective on-line grants management system that allows the grant-maker (DPI) to receive on-line applications and manage the entire grants cycle from application to evaluation in line with best practice grants management.
The Working Group supported the implementation of SmartyGrants from the proposed commencement of the 2011/12 RFGP in October 2011.
Small Recreational Fishing Grants Program
DPI provided an update on the program and advised the Working Group that 67 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 application for funding.
Next meeting: July 2011 – Date to be advised.
John Diplock
Independent Chair
Recreational Fishing Grants Working Group