NSW Government invests $750,000 to improve coastal fish habitat

The Flagship Fish Habitat Rehabilitation Grant program provides funding for large-scale projects that significantly enhance fish habitat, water quality and fish passage opportunities within the coastal catchments of NSW.

This includes projects to significantly rehabilitate river banks and coastal wetlands, remove or modify barriers to fish passage and construct fishways, re-snag waterways and undertake remediation works including riverbank stabilisation.

After assessing applications for the 2023-24 grants round, a total of $756,947 is being awarded to five projects:

• $109,222 to Nambucca Valley Landcare to improve fish habitat and reduce risks to water quality in the Nambucca River by restoring an eroding riverbank;
• $169,150 to OzFish Unlimited to rehabilitate an area of critical fish habitat in the Bellinger River catchment together with recreational fishers;
• $158,000 to Rous County Council to restore 1,600m2 of complex fish habitat and a popular bass fishing destination on Bungawalbyn Creek;
• $261,275 to Port Macquarie Hastings Council to stabilize an eroded area, improve shoreline vegetation and enable access for recreational fishers on the Hastings River estuary;
• $59,300 to Shoalhaven City Council to complete design and plans for a living shoreline including accessible and resilient foreshore, and oyster reef restoration on the Crookhaven River.

The grants are part of the Government's ongoing work to grow recreational fishing opportunities by enhancing the habitats that fish need to thrive.

Since the inception of the Flagship Grant Program in 2016, almost $3 million from the Recreational Fishing Trust has been invested in coastal aquatic habitat rehabilitation, water quality improvement and fish passage opportunities.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

"These Flagship grants allow fishing clubs, non-Government organisations and other agencies to tackle large, complex projects that will safeguard and enhance local fish habitats and recreational fisheries.

"Improved habitat means better opportunities for fish and therefore better opportunities for recreational fishers.

"This program is yet another excellent example of how recreational fishing fees are helping to support and improve sustainable fisheries in NSW."

More information on Flagship Habitat Rehabilitation Grants is available here.

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