Monday, 8 October 2007

Sykes: Grants open for Recreational Fishing

The Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes, encourages individuals, groups and organisations to apply for funding through the 2007-08 Recreational Fishing Grant Program.

The program is designed to improve recreational fishing opportunities in Victoria.

Bill Sykes said grants were available under four project categories:

• sustainability and habitat improvement (including fish stocking);
   
• recreational fishing access and facilities;
   
• recreational fisheries research and
   
• recreational fisheries related education, information and training.

“Funding under the program is available to incorporated, statutory and government bodies and registered companies,” he said.

“However, an individual with a great idea can get their angling club, association, local council, Catchment Management Authority, or the Victorian Recreational Fishing (VR Fish) peak body to support and submit the application.”

Bill Sykes said eligible projects would be funded from early February 2008 from Recreational Fishing Licence Trust Account revenue received this financial year.

Applications for fish stocking projects should be referred to VR Fish by mid January 2008 for consideration. The VR Fish secretariat can be contacted on Ph 9686 7077, or by going to the VR Fish internet site at www.vrfish.com.au

All other project applications will close on 28 February 2008.

Enquiries regarding the grant program can be directed to Mr Robert Krix, Executive Officer, Fisheries Revenue Allocation Committee GPO Box 4440, Melbourne VIC 3001 Ph 9658 4369 Fax 9658 4380 or email robert.kris@dpi.vic.gov.au

Copies of the program’s guidelines and application forms are available from Bill Sykes’ Electorate Office at 2/ 55 Carrier St , Benalla. or by contacting Peta Clark at my Office.

Media contact:  Bill Sykes (03) 5762 2100 or 0427 624 989