Recreational Fishing Grants Working Group Meeting 12
12 - 19 JULY 2011 - LOCATION: DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRIES, 1 – 7 TAYLOR STREET, EPSOM, VIC.
Independent Chair's Summary
This was the 12th meeting of the Recreational Fishing Grants Working Group.
Key items discussed included:
- 2010/11 Recreational Fishing Grants Program – concepts for potential projects under the Commissioning Program
- Progress on projects previously approved to receive RFL Trust Account funding
- RFL Trust Account revenue and expenditure 2010/11
- The purpose/need for fishing platforms to improve recreational fishing
- Small Recreational Fishing Grants Program
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.
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 380 projects worth more than $15.7 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 72 projects in progress, including 23 small grants, 5 Commissioning Grants and 49 Large.
The Working Group noted the status of 72 projects that are currently in progress and the expected completion dates.
RFL Trust Account revenue and expenditure 2010/11
A report on how amounts paid into the RFL Trust Account were disbursed is tabled in both Houses of Parliament each year. The report outlines all revenues and expenditures associated with the Trust Account including provision to fund previously approved projects extending into future years as applicable.
The Working Group noted that the draft 2010/11 RFL Trust Account revenue and expenditure Report to both Houses Parliament will be provided to key stakeholders following its tabling on 15 September 2011.
The purpose/need for fishing platforms to improve recreational fishing
Grant applicants can apply for RFL T/A funding to construct a fishing platform/s under the Access & Facilities category of the RFGP – Large Grants Program. The Working Group agreed that angler access to Victoria's rivers and waterways is a high priority. The Working Group also noted that in some instances, bank degradation, inclines, bad weather and other factors may prohibit some less able bodied anglers from participating in recreational fishing at a particular location.
The Working Group agreed that DPI should amend the 2011/12 RFGP – Large Grants Program Guidelines & Conditions to stipulate that grant applications seeking RFL T/A funds to construct a fishing platform/s must provide sufficient supporting information or documentation to demonstrate that the proposed location/s of the new platform/s is really necessary, noting that there may already be a location/s in the vicinity of the site of proposed new platform/s that will provide anglers with a reasonable degree of fishing access.
Small Recreational Fishing Grants Program
DPI provided an update on the program and advised the Working Group that 69 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 thee applications for funding.
Next meeting: Date to be advised.
John Diplock
Independent Chair
Recreational Fishing Grants Working Group