Recreational fishing groups and councils in the Clarence and Richmond valleys should consider applying for a share of millions of dollars in new grants from the NSW Liberals and Nationals Government, according to Clarence MP Chris Gulaptis. “With the mighty Clarence and Richmond Rivers and our pristine coastline we have the best fishing spots in Australia,” Mr Gulaptis said. “The money comes from recreational fishing licence fees which are reinvested each year to continue to improve NSW recreational fishing opportunities and accessibility.” Mr Gulaptis said grants could be used for a wide variety of projects from fishing platforms and fish cleaning tables to offshore artificial reefs and fish aggregating devices. “Fish education programs for young people are also a success, with over 300 Fishcare volunteers and the Get Hooked program, which is now running in over 100 primary schools across the State,” Mr Gulaptis said. “Fishing is one of our State’s most popular recreational activities, with more than one million anglers dropping a line in each year.” The NSW recreational fishing sector generates $3.4 billion to the State’s economy each year and accounts for more than 14,000 full-time jobs. Applications for funding under the Recreational Fishing Trust close on 24 November. Funding guidelines and application forms are available at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au.