Dollar for Dollar
Aim
Enhance recreational freshwater fishing opportunities, to support local communities in the stocking high value native fish species, to assist in the development of regional aquaculture industries and to increase community and industry involvement in, and awareness of responsible stocking.
Background
The Dollar for Dollar Native Fish Stocking Program was introduced in 1998 by NSW DPI to benefit anglers. Under the program, community groups apply to the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust (funded by the recreational fishing licence) for matching funds to purchase native fish from licensed commercial hatcheries for stocking rivers and dams in the Murray Darling system and east of the great divide.
The Dollar for Dollar Native Fish Stocking Program has been extremely well received by the general community. Private hatcheries supplying fish for stocking have been enthusiastic, and the stocking community have been highly supportive. A number of clubs and councils involved in the program have been pooling funds in order to purchase more fish to re-stock their local waterway. The program is helping to promote the values of sustainable fishing by providing a sense of community ownership and responsibility for our native freshwater fisheries. The dollar-for-dollar program has also provided benefits in terms of regional aquaculture investment and an added boost for local economies and tourism.
Organisations wishing to stock public waterways with native fish on a dollar-for-dollar basis may submit an application to NSW DPI, by way of an Expression of Interest. The Expression of Interest form is distributed early each year to local councils, licence agents and fishing clubs registered on the NSW DPI fishing club database. Dollar-for-dollar funding is available for Murray Cod and Golden Perch for western drainage stockings and Australian Bass for eastern drainage stockings. For each application, a minimum offer of $2,000 and a maximum offer of $6,000 has been set to maximise the cost/benefit to the supplier and to spread the funding base amongst stocking organisations evenly.
How to apply
At the beginning of each year, application forms are forwarded to all local councils and angling clubs listed on the NSW DPI database. For each application, a minimum offer of $2,000 and maximum of $6,000 has been set. This is to maximise the cost/benefit to the supplier and to spread the funding base amongst stocking organisations around the State.
More Information and return applications to:
Dollar for Dollar Native Fish Stocking Program
Suite 5/620 Macauley Street
Albury NSW 2640
Ph: 02 6051 7748
Email: fish.stocking@dpi.nsw.gov.au
