Large community fishing grants

The Queensland Community Fishing Grants Program supports activities and projects that enhance recreational fishing experiences and support traditional fishing.

Queenslanders are keen anglers. Fishing is an integral part of the Queensland lifestyle and is also important for tourism - attracting anglers from around Australia and the world.

The Queensland Government also acknowledges the importance of traditional fishing as a significant cultural activity for Aboriginal Peoples and Torres Strait Islanders.

Up to $250,000 of grant funding is available through an expression of interest process.

Of this funding, $75,000 is set aside for small grants of less than $5,000 for recreational or traditional fishing education activities (such as kids fishing days) or community fishing programs.

The Guideline for Queensland's Recreational Fishing Grant Program outlines how the annual program operates and how funding is allocated. Please note the guideline has been updated for the 2022-23 financial year.

Types of projects funded

To be successful, a project or activity must have met at least one of the following criteria:

Criteria Project examples
Recreational and/or traditional fishing education Fishing workshops/clinics, schools education, come and try days, fishing education programs, signs explaining sea country, education about traditional fishing activities.
Fish habitat improvement and protection Remove barriers to fish migration, replanting and protecting river bank vegetation, restoring water flows, fish aggregating devices etc.
Monitoring or research provides linkages to, adds value to, or fills information gaps about recreational fishing Possible projects include; fishing-related social or economic surveys, biology or ecology of popular recreational species, citizen science projects, fish tagging, projects that compliment Fisheries Queensland's Monitoring and Research Plan.

The Queensland Government is particularly seeking applications that address at least one of these current fishing priorities:

  • contributes to the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy target to 'increase satisfaction of recreational fishers'
  • supports recreational fishing strategies developed by local government to promote recreational fishing opportunities in the Cairns, Mackay and Rockhampton net-free zones
  • improves understanding of, or supports, traditional or cultural fishing activities of Aboriginal peoples or Torres Strait Islanders
  • supports community recovery from COVID-19 through non-commercial fishing activities.

How to apply

All applications for the large recreational fishing grants must be made through the online form.

Applications dates for the 2022 grants program are also available on the online application portal.

Applicants will be notified by February 2023 if their application is successful or unsuccessful.

External funding opportunities in Queensland and across Australia

Several funding opportunities and services exist in Queensland and Australia, which may be suitable for establishing aquaculture facilities. This includes AusIndustry and Advance Queensland programs and funds.

More information

Email fisheriesgrants@daf.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23

Last updated: 04 Nov 2022