Recreational Fishing Grants Program (RFGP)

The 2008/09 Recreational Fishing Grants Program is now closed

Every year the Victorian Government, through the Recreational Fishing Licence Trust Account, disburses revenue derived from the sale of Recreational Fishing Licences to projects that will improve recreational fishing in Victoria. On average $1.2 million of funding is allocated to projects each year. Who decides what is funded? A new Recreational Fishing Grants Working Group has been established. The Group will advise the Victorian Government on how fishing licence fees should be allocated to projects that improve recreational fishing.

What we fund

Grants are allocated to projects in one of four categories:

• recreational fishing access and facilities (but not recreational boating related infrastructure such as boat launching ramps);
• recreational fisheries' sustainability and habitat improvement including fish stocking;
• recreational fisheries-related education, information and training; including a new small event recreational fishing grant program; and
• recreational fisheries research.

Project Variation/ Extension: The proponent must notify the Department of any proposed variations or extensions to the project objectives, timetable, work plan or budget. The proponent will need to submit and have approved by the Department, a Recreational Fishing Licence (RFL) Trust Account Project Variation Application Form (attached) prior to any variations to the project being done. Variation Form (PDF 72KB)
Acknowledging Grant Funding/ Project Promotion: It is mandatory that the Recreational Fishing Licence Trust Account branding, as set out in the Style Guide (attached), is used on all signage, publications and promotional material associated with Recreational Fishing Grant Program projects. RFL and Victorian Government logos are available from the Program Manager, RFL Revenue Expenditure. All grant recipients must develop media releases and promotional events in conjunction with the Program Manager, RFL Revenue Expenditure, who will then coordinate appropriate clearances with relevant personnel. Should grant recipients become aware of good publicity opportunities relating to the project, such as positive outcomes, special activity days or events, and/or the achievement of significant milestones, they must contact the Program Manager, RFL Revenue Expenditure before proceeding. Style Guide 09-10 (PDF 279KB)
Progress/ Final Reporting: Project proponents must submit a progress report on the Progress/Final Report Proforma (attached) to the Program Manager, RFL Revenue Expenditure, every four months after funding becomes available. Upon completion of the project, the proponent must submit a final report on the Progress/Final Report Proforma (attached) to the Program Manager, RFL Revenue Expenditure within 60 days of completing the project. Progress Final Report (Word 258KB)
Research Project Reporting: In addition to the provision to Fisheries Victoria of the completed Progress/Final report as applicable, for all recreational fisheries-related research projects, a Research Report in the format specified (see attached template), must be provided to Fisheries Victoria within 60 days of project completion. This draft report must be provided to Fisheries Victoria for review and approval prior to any publication of project outcomes in any forum. Contact the Program Manager, RFL Revenue Expenditure on 9658 4727 on any queries. Completed draft reports should be e-mailed to rec.fishinggrants@dpi.vic.gov.au Research Project Report (Word 180KB)
Project/ Grant Acquittal: Upon completion of the project, the proponent must complete and sign the Certification Statement for Acquittal of Grant Funds Proforma (attached), and submit to the Program Manager, RFL Revenue Expenditure within 60 days of completing the project. Grant Acquittal Form (Word 49KB)
Refunds: Any unexpended grant funds shall be refunded to the Department of Primary Industries within 60 days of the completion of the project. All refund payments/cheques should be made out in the name of the Department of Primary Industries.