Recreational Fishing Grants Working Group Meeting 15

7 MAY 2012 - LOCATION: DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRIES, 1 SPRING ST, MELBOURNE VIC

Independent Chair's Summary

This was the 15th meeting of the Recreational Fishing Grants Working Group.

Key items discussed included:

• Progress on projects previously approved to receive RFL Trust Account funding
• Snobs Creek Fish Hatchery Production Review
• Fishcare Victoria Inc.
• A review of the structure and pricing of the Victorian Recreational Fishery Licence

Progress on projects previously approved to receive RFL Trust Account funding

Since the commencement of the Recreational Fishing Grants Program in 2001/02, RFL revenue has funded over 435 projects worth more than $19.3 million.

Currently there are 72 projects in progress, including 21 small grants, 8 Commissioning Grants and 43 Large.

The Working Group noted the status of 72 projects that are currently in progress and the expected completion dates.

Snobs Creek Fish Hatchery Production Review

Fisheries Victoria provided a presentation on DPI's total fish stocking program, including RFL funded fish stocking projects.

The Working Group noted the positive media and feedback that DPI has received from the recreational fishing community in regards to the RFL funded drought recovery fish stocking program.

The Working Group supported a proposal from Fisheries Victoria to increase the level of funding provided from the Recreational Fishing Licence Trust Account to DPI for its baseline fish stocking program.

Fishcare Victoria Inc.

Fishcare Victoria Inc. is an organisation that delivers services to the recreational fishing sector through the promotion and teaching of good fishing practices. The Fishcare Volunteer Program was established in Victoria in 1995.

Fisheries Victoria sought the Working Group's feedback on a draft proposal that seeks on-going RFL funding for 2012/13 onwards.

The Working Group provided feedback to DPI on the draft proposal, along with a recommendation that Fishcare strengthen the objectives within the proposal in consultation with both DPI and VRFish for the Working Group's further consideration in due course.

In the interim, the Working Group provided their support recommend that the Minister provide RFL funding to Fishcare for 2012/13.

Evaluation of SmartyGrants to assess grant applications

The Working Group noted that DPI will instigate a review of the RFL. The objectives of the review would be to:

1. Boost opportunities for recreational fishing across Victoria;
2. Reduce the administrative burden and costs for recreational fishers, authorised licence sellers and government;
3. Direct more funds to fishing – less to administration;
4. Encourage more people to fish; and
5. Better communicate with fishers.

Next meeting: To be confirmed.

John Diplock
Independent Chair
Recreational Fishing Grants Working Group