Recreational fishers and boaters are rejoicing around the news that they are free to move around the state once again, with the NSW government permitting intrastate travel and overnight stays from last Monday.
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The Boating Industry Association (BIA) has welcomed the move and in a media release BIA president Darren Vaux said the decision would reinvigorate the boating sector which shares much common ground with tourism.
"The ability to get out in the fresh air and sunshine with your own boat or to hire one, whether it be a paddle, power or sail, will be possible across NSW. You will also be able to relax and stay overnight on a boat which can only help deliver social benefits all round," Vaux said.
"The combination of fires, floods and now pandemic has all taken its toll and no more so than regional NSW, so this will help deliver a much-needed boost to activity, business and jobs.
"This winter could be a great time to get into boating or to take a holiday on a houseboat on the Hawkesbury or the Murray."
The BIA said intrastate boating is an important step in recovery of boating and tourism in NSW.
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According to the BIA, in 2018-19 the boating industry in Australia had a turnover of $8.65 billion, directly employed more than 28,000 people with more than 14,500 contractors.
The recreational fishing sector across the state will also enjoy the relaxed travel restrictions, with the sector generating around 14,000 jobs and an economic contribution of over $3 billion dollars per annum.
Recreational fishers and boaters are keen contributors to the NSW and national tourism economies, with anglers often not only buying fishing tackle, boating and outdoor equipment, but also generating millions of dollars of expenditure within the accommodation, transport, and hospitality sectors.
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