Millions of Australians that love to go fishing, boating and camping will benefit from upgraded community facilities under the Morrison Government’s economic plan which has committed an additional $20 million to the successful Recreational Fishing and Camping Facilities Program.
A re-elected Morrison Government will provide more than 100 new projects across Australia’s coastal and regional communities to extend boat ramps, jetties, cleaning stations, disability-accessible toilet blocks and campground facility upgrades.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Coalition was backing in recreational fishers, campers and boaters.
“Australians love getting out to explore the great outdoors, if it’s the weekend fishos, boaties or the family going camping, this program supports them by upgrading the community facilities they need,” the Prime Minister said.
“Recreational fishing has significant economic and regional benefits – it’s good for regional tourism, creates local jobs and supports small and family businesses as well as benefits for physical and mental health.
“This is why a strong economy matters, because if you can’t manage money like the Labor Party, you can’t guarantee critical community services like we are doing through this program.”
One in five Australians are active recreational fishers and approximately 85 per cent of Australians live within 50 kilometres of the coast.
Recreational fishing delivers over $1.8 billion to the economy every year.
Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries Jonno Duniam said: “This is an exciting funding program which enables local councils around Australia, and the territory governments, to deliver new and renewed infrastructure for our recreational fishers, campers and boaters.
“We know that recreational fishing is an important leisure activity that contributes economic and social benefits to the Australian community and is a part of life for Australians of all ages and from all socio-economic backgrounds.
“Only the Morrison Government recognises the significant role the fishing industry plays in creating local jobs, whether it be through the commercial, recreational or seafood sectors, and we want to ensure these industries continue to boom for generations to come.
“As part of our support for our vast fishing industry, we are also committed to maintaining our robust Australian Marine Park network in its current form, to provide certainty to our fishers.”
The Recreational Fishing and Camping Facilities Program is administered by the state and territory governments paid directly to local councils. Each jurisdiction is responsible for opening their programs and local councils must apply through this process.
If you know of a location that would benefit from new or improved fishing, boating or camping facilities in your area, you can contact your local council to advocate for their application to this program.