Dubbo's Matt Hansen is encouraging fellow lovers of recreational fishing to apply for a share of $20 million in state government grants because there is "endless work to do" after the worst drought in living memory.
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The grants are up for grabs from the Recreational Fishing Trust for the construction of new facilities, fish stocking, research and education projects.
Money in the trust comes from the licence fees paid by fishers in NSW.
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Mr Hansen heads up Inland Waterways-Ozfish which has successfully applied for grants for the "re-snagging" of the Macquarie River.
He said "hundreds and hundreds" of large trees had been installed in the river to create snags where native fish could breed, feed and shelter.
"The reason our grants have a track record of getting up is we put cash with them," the president said.
"We match dollar for dollar. We would have done close to $200,000 worth of work with a combination of money from those grants and ....our own funds raised through the Lake Burrendong Easter Fishing Classic."
Mr Hansen has identified some of the individuals and groups which could apply for the grants including "anyone with a love of recreational fishing, landholders who would like to improve fish habitat on their properties and fishing clubs".
"There's endless work to do," Mr Hansen said.
"Sadly, our native fish have had some of the worst years seen in recent times.
"We had fish die last year that were older than me.
"We lost 30 and 40-year-old fish through terrible drought conditions."
Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall is urging the recreational fishing community to take advantage of the grants.
"Every time we put out the call for applications we see terrific and unique projects, and I hope this year we see even more so that we can continue to provide fantastic fishing across the state," he said.
"This is your licence fees at work, so if you've got an idea for your area then please, I urge you to get your application in and take advantage of this mammoth amount of funding available."
Mr Hansen said Inland Waterways-Ozfish committee members could help anyone applying for the first time.
Grant "ideas" can also be discussed with DPI (NSW Department of Primary Industries) Fisheries by calling 4916 3835 or sending an email to recreational.fishingtrust@dpi.nsw.gov.au.
Funding guidelines and application forms for the next round of the Recreational Fishing Trusts grants are available at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au.
Applications will remain open until October 30.
