Recreational Fishing Grants Working Group Meeting 3
29 JANUARY 2010 - ROYAL BRIGHTON YACHT CLUB, 253 ESPLANADE, BRIGHTON VIC 3186.
Independent Chair's Summary
This was the third meeting of the Recreational Fishing Grants Working Group, established in September 2009. Key issues discussed in the meeting included:
- The Terms of Reference of the Working Group – December 2009
- Results (raw data) of an online survey of Recreational Fishing Licence holders
- Determining content and operating environment of the new three-tiered (2009/10) Recreational Fishing Grants Program
- Economic Study of Recreational Fishing in Victoria (VRFish)
- Small Events Recreational Fishing Grants Program 2008/09
The Terms of Reference of the Working Group – December 2009
The Working Group has been established, comprising recreational anglers and a non-voting independent Chair, principally to provide advice to the Minister on the expenditure of all RFL revenue.
A number of minor amendments were made to the Terms of Reference at the second meeting of the Working Group which have been referred to and endorsed by the Minister Responsible for Fisheries.
The Working Group adopted the Terms of Reference – December 2009.
Results (raw data) of an online survey of Recreational Fishing Licence holders
DPI provided the Working Group with preliminary results of an on-line survey of licensed recreational anglers. The survey was conducted by DPI to ascertain angler views on priorities for the expenditure of RFL funds for future years that was recently completed by Fisheries Victoria.
A total of 28,000 emails were sent to RFL holders, of which 4,411 people responded, a participation rate of 15%, which is considered to be very high.
The results of the recreational angler survey will assist in establishing a broad set of priorities for the Working Group and Government to determine future investments relevant to improving opportunities for recreational fishing in Victoria.
DPI will undertake further assessment of survey findings which may result in the re-surveying of some participants to obtain clearer findings on recreational angler priorities.
Determining content and operating environment of the new three-tiered (2009/10) Recreational Fishing Grants Program
DPI provided the Working Group with a thorough presentation on the mechanisms and operations of the previous Recreational Fishing Grants Program (RFGP), which will enable the Working Group to provide advice to the Minister Responsible for Fisheries regarding the content and operating environment of the new three-tiered (2009/10) RFGP which will comprise:
- A Small Grants Program - that is continually open to fund small projects (under $5,000 – GST exclusive);
- A Large Grants Program - for projects above $5,000 (GST exclusive); and
- A Commissioning Program for priority projects (generally in excess of $100,000 (GST exclusive)).
The Working Group discussed its role and prepared advice to the Minister Responsible for Fisheries in line with the Terms of Reference. The Working Group developed guidelines and conditions for the Small and Large Grants Programs with the primary aim of simplifying the grant application process.
Furthermore, the Working Group decided upon indicative funding amounts available to each tier of the program to be referred to the Minister.
The Working Group noted that the final outcomes of the online survey of RFL holders will assist in finalising arrangements for the Commissioning Program.
Economic Study of Recreational Fishing in Victoria (VRFish)
Through the 2007/08 Recreational Fishing Grants Program a grant of $110,000 (GST inclusive) was allocated to VRFish to conduct a study into the benefits of recreational fishing for the Victorian economy.
DPI provided a copy of the report to the Working Group who noted the study report.
Small Events Recreational Fishing Grants Program 2008/09
DPI provided an update on the program and advised the Working Group that 31 small events have been approved and $40,518.40 of RFL T/A revenue has been allocated through the program.
The Small Events Recreational Fishing Grants Program was launched on 1 October 2008. The Minister approved a disbursement of up to $110,000 (GST inclusive) to fund up to 50 small recreational fishing events.
The Working Group agreed that DPI should continue to operate the Small Events Recreational Fishing Grants Program until 50 events have been funded. Once 50 events have been funded, the Working Group will provide advice on the possible incorporation of the small events grants program into the Small Grants Program, which is currently being developed by DPI
Next meeting: Wednesday 10 February 2010.
John Diplock
Independent Chair
Recreational Fishing Grants Working Group