Funding for Aboriginal fishing

24 Jan 2018

Enhancement and protection of Aboriginal cultural fishing, along with supporting fisheries related business opportunities, are the overarching aims of the NSW Government’s Aboriginal Fishing Trust Fund, which is now open for applications.

Aboriginal people, businesses and community groups are encouraged to apply for funding to support projects and enterprises that benefit the aspirations of Aboriginal communities throughout NSW.

Department of Primary Industries Director Fisheries Operations Mr Mika Malkki said the Trust Fund has been designed to provide funds up to $5000 for smaller projects, all the way up to $1 million for major initiatives, as the fund matures in its operations.

“Through the Aboriginal Fishing Trust Fund, delivery of projects that will enhance, maintain and protect Aboriginal cultural fishing can be supported,” he said.

“This could include projects in areas such as education and training, to research, aquatic habitat rehabilitation and protection.

“Supporting economic opportunities for Aboriginal communities associated with the fisheries resource, such as involvement in commercial fishing, is also a focus.”

Mr Malkki said the Trust Fund has scope to provide both grants and low/zero interest loans.

“This will allow for a wider range of applications to be funded, drawing on the initial $1.5 million that the NSW Government has committed to the Trust Fund over the next three years,” he said.

The Aboriginal Fishing Advisory Council, with assistance from the Aboriginal Fishing Trust Expenditure Committee, will assess applications and make recommendations to the Minister for Primary Industries on expenditure of the $500,000 dollars available this year

from the Trust Fund.

The inaugural round of applications under the Aboriginal Fishing Trust Fund opens today, with the application period to remain open for eight weeks until 21 March 2018.

For information on eligibility, funding categories, the assessment process and how to apply, visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/aboriginal-fishing/AFTF.

For specific questions relating to Loans from the fund, please contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593.

Media contact: Laura 0427 652 088