Recreational fishing opportunities across South Australia will get a significant boost with more than $1.7 million made available to improve or develop new, boating, camping and fishing facilities.

Grants between $3,500 and $200,000 are now open for applications towards new or improved boat ramps, fishing platforms, fish cleaning stations, camping facilities, toilet blocks and marine rescue facilities.

Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham says the Recreational Fishing and Camping Facilities Program is funded by the federal government, in partnership with the state government.

“This is an exciting funding program enabling local councils to improve, maintain or build new boating, marine rescue, fishing and camping facilities,” he says.

“This new funding will deliver tangible benefits across the state, particularly boosting tourism and delivering practical value for the estimated 277,000 South Australian men, women and children who recreationally fish.

“We know that when people fish there are significant economic benefits because people often stay in regional communities, visit the local tackle shop and eat at local restaurants, which all support jobs.

“I expect this process will be highly competitive and I look forward to seeing the exciting developments and upgrades that will result.”

The Minister’s Recreational Fishing Advisory Council (MRFAC) Chair Sharon Starick has welcomed the funding program.

“This will provide great value for recreational fishers across the state, and I would encourage all councils to review the funding guidelines to identify projects and improvements for their area,” she says.

“I believe this will provide for more opportunities for recreational fishers both along the coastline and the inland waterways, building our great outdoor lifestyle of camping, boating and fishing.”

Applications close at noon on 29 October. Projects are encouraged from regional South Australia and must be related to infrastructure specifically for recreational fishing, boating and camping to support recreational fishing opportunities.

For more information or to make an application visit the PIRSA website.