Lights will be installed at the popular Crowdy Head boat ramp on the State’s North Coast, after a local fishing club successfully secured more than $6,000 funding through the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust, Minister for Primary Industries Ian Macdonald said today.

Mr Macdonald said the lighting will improve safety for local fishers and visitors.

"The lighting will enable boat users to see any hazards, such as slippery surfaces, or any other dangers, when entering or leaving the water," Mr Macdonald said.

"Four fishing clubs use the area, with many anglers taking to the water or returning in the dark.

"The Harrington Hotel Blue-water Fishing Club successfully applied for the funding to install lighting at the boat ramp.

"This is just one of many worthwhile initiatives, as part of $11.5 million worth of projects provided by the NSW Recreational Fishing Trusts this financial year.

"It’s another great example of fishing fees being put back into the water to directly improve recreational fishing in NSW," Mr Macdonald said.

"In total more than $90,000 has recently been made available through the small grants program to enhance recreational fishing facilities."

Money raised by the NSW Recreational Fishing licence fee is placed into two trusts and can only be spent on improving recreational fishing in NSW.

"The trusts are overseen by two committees made up of recreational fishers - one for saltwater and one for freshwater," Mr Macdonald said.

"I would encourage everyone to apply to the Recreational Fishing Trusts for funding including individuals, fishing clubs, organisations, councils and community groups."

More information on how to apply for funding and a full list of programmes can be found at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/recreational/licence-fee

The lights are expected to be built in the next two months.

Media contact: Lyndall Derrig 0400 462 447