NSW Fishing License Fee Increase

[Member]

NSW Fishing fee increase from September 1
22 Jul 2013 - NSW DPI

The cost of dropping a line in will increase from September 1, with the price of a fishing licence going up, Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Director Recreational and Indigenous Fisheries, Peter Turnell, said today.
"The recreational fishing fee structure has not been revised since 2005, and this small increase is in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI)," Mr Turnell said.

"Recreational fishing in NSW has been greatly improved through the programs that have been rolled out as a result of the contribution made by anglers through the recreational fishing fee.

"The recreational fishing fee Trusts have funded numerous additional projects and ongoing programs that have seen both the inland and saltwater recreational fishing experience enhanced.

"The projects increase in cost in line with CPI, and it is now time to make the necessary adjustment to the fee so we can continue improving recreational fishing in NSW."

The changes to the fees include:

3 day fee increase from $6 to $7;
1 month from $12 to $14;
1 year from $30 to $35; and the
3 year fee increase from $75 to $85.
This is the first increase to the recreational fishing fee in 8 years.

Fishers are required by law to pay the NSW Recreational Fishing Fee and carry a receipt showing the payment of the fee. This applies when line fishing, spear fishing, hand gathering, trapping, bait collecting and prawn netting or when in possession of fishing gear in, on or adjacent to waters.

"Fishers can be assured that their contributions have been put to best use for the recreational fishing sector," Mr Turnell said.

"We have worked to a five year Recreational Fishing Trust Investment Plan, surveying over 70,000 recreational fishers on priorities for expenditure, and involving recreational fishers in assessing applications for funding.

"Detail on the programs and projects funded through the recreational fishing fee can be found on the Department’s website.

"Fishers can pay the recreational fishing fee on-line, over the phone, or by visiting one of the many sales agents around the State.

"The newly established Service NSW which is part of the government’s commitment to provide easier access to a variety of transactions adds to the available payment arrangements. You can find out more on the Service NSW website or by calling 13 77 88 at any time day or night seven days a week.

"The money raised from the sale of the recreational fishing fee helps us keep our precious fisheries resources in top condition for future generations."