Where's the money?

In the 2018-19 NSW Budget the NSW public received $0.00 for improving recreational fishing in NSW, instead the government is relying on the Fishing Licence Trust Fund to pay for almost everything.

Visit http://www.rfansw.com.au/nsw-state-election-2019/
to see what we think you should be screaming at our current and future politicians in 2019.

Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW and the NSW state election
The Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW (RFA) has launched an 8-point plan called the 8 R’s in the lead up to the NSW state election on 23 March 2019. The plan is at http://www.rfansw.com.au/nsw-state-election-2019/
 
The plan covers the key areas of concern for recreational fishers and calls upon political parties to commit to the main actions required in each area - it has eight themes: Recognize, Review, Revitalise, Reform, Retain, Rehabilitate, Research and Resilience.

The plan puts the fish first and foremost, and outlines how recreational anglers intend to save and preserve the environment we fish in, retain and maintain fishing access, limit the threats to recreational and commercial fishing and guarantee the future of fishing in NSW.

The RFA calls on all State political parties to immediately commit to the following:

•    Immediately place a moratorium on the creation of any more Marine Parks in NSW, especially in the Sydney and Twofold Bay Bioregions, until the Marine Estate Management Authority is disbanded and a new way is forged to manage recreational fishing across NSW in a way that is transparent and balanced. 
•    Commit to immediately reviewing all existing NSW Marine Park closures to ensure sound environmental outcomes are actually delivered, and consult with the local communities and other stakeholders to open up any closed areas to recreational fishing.
•    Secure $24 million dollars in funding to fairly support the buy-out of the Southern Fish Trawl, to create a fish-trawl-free area from Sydney to Eden, from the beaches and headlands out to 3 nm (5.5 km). 
•    Conduct independent reviews of the way fishing and boating licence fees are collected and expended across NSW, ensuring transparency, accountability and value for money.
•    Restore the government’s contribution to the management of recreational fishing and boating (adjusted to today’s dollars) to that agreed in 2001 when the general fishing licence fee was introduced.
•    Review the Rock Fishing Safety Act 2016.
•    Declare Sydney Harbour a Recreational Fishing Haven, investing to improve recreational fishing and boating facilities, infrastructure, opportunities, services and environmental quality across the entire waterway.

The RFA will continue to hold discussions with all political parties in the lead up to the 23 March state election to ensure the needs and aspirations of recreational fishers are strongly represented.

Last week we met with Robert Brown of the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party. Robert confirmed the party's full commitment to our 8R's plan. We also met with Mark Latham who is running for a NSW upper house seat for Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party. We had a very generous couple of hours of his time to discuss our issues and his views of how things might pan out after the election. We are looking forward to sharing his comments on the 8R's once he's had a chance to review them.

Meetings with other political parties are lined up in the coming week.

$250,000 for better, safer boating facilities along Far South Coast

Scott Paul (President Tuross Head Fishing Club), Mike and Regina Byron (THFC members), Mick Veitch (Labor Shadow DPI Minister), Leanne Atkinson (Labor candidate for Bega electorate), Stan Konstandaras (President RFA), and Max Castle (Vice President RFA) at Friday's announcement.

NSW Shadow Minister for Lands, the Hon. Mick Veitch MLC, and Country Labor Candidate for Bega, Leanne Atkinson, met with representatives of the Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW at Tuross Head on Friday Feb 8th to make the announcement  that a Daley Labor Government, if elected on 23 March, will roll out $250,000 in boating and fishing safety measures along the Far South Coast.

“Labor wants to support better, safer boating and fishing along the Far South Coast,” Mr Veitch said.

“These are some of the best places in NSW to get out in a boat or cast a line – we want to make sure that people do this as safely as possible.

The funding will go towards the installation of safety measures such as lighting and sand bar cameras. Web cameras are part of a suite of safety measures, which help with bar crossings along coastal NSW. They allow boat users to access the web cams to check conditions before crossing a bar.

"A Daley Labor Government will work with boaters, fishers and councils about installing better safer lighting on various boat ramps in the Eurobodalla and Bega Valley Shire Council areas" the Shadow Minister said.

“Boating and fishing is part of our way of life”, Country Labor Candidate for Bega Ms Atkinson added.

“I’ve been working hard to get this funding commitment and it is good to see this sort of response to local safety needs.”

“If elected I will work closely with fishers, boaters and the councils to make sure this funding goes to where it is most needed and can make a difference.”

Sydney anglers still being denied legal access on wharves

Last week Sydney anglers who use the Harbour's wharves were being denied their rightful access to fishing spots, with numerous misleading "no fishing" signs appearing in popular areas. The RFA has been fighting for removal of these signs for several years but they are still being screwed to wharves by nearby apartment and business owners and security firms.

NSW DPI - Fisheries tells us that this latest batch were mostly put up by retailers in the area concerned about mess and unruly behaviour. This is a fair enough complaint and we have been campaigning for rec fishers to mind their manners in these harbour fishing spots. 

Sydney Police Marine Area Command and NSW DPI - Fisheries are meant to police these areas for any illegal and anti-social behaviour.

Nonetheless, these are legal fishing spots. There are numerous signs such as those shown above on wharves around Piers 8 and 9 at Walsh Bay - both of which are legal fishing areas. There are also 'no fishing' signs along the promenade. Although fishing is not banned in that area the RFA has not agitated for their removal as there are a number of restaurants in that area.

The Recreational Fishing Trusts contributed funds to a portable toilet and cleaning in the area...inspection last week failed to find the toilet and additional bins.

After highlighting the issues via the RFA of NSW and the Stop The Lockout Facebook page and also through the Recreational Fishing Advisory Council, the signs have now been removed and replaced with more appropriate ones shown below reminding anglers to keep the place clean and fish responsibly. They will also help clarify to the public that these are indeed legal fishing locations.


Look after our wharf access
Here's a video starring the Daily Telegraph's fishing writer Al McGlashan that the RFA of NSW recently co-produced with NSW DPI Fisheries.

Our wharves are too good to lose and they give access to everyone. Access to these places is something we can never take for granted, it is a privilege we have earned and we can only keep it by doing the right thing. At the same time with Sydney’s population exploding the government also has a responsibility to be forward thinking and actively promote outdoor recreation for the people of Sydney and of course fishing is right up there at the top of the list.

Looking after our wharves
1. Leave the wharf cleaner than you found it
2. Don’t disrupt commuters, they only want to go to work or home
3. Fishing the wharves is a privilege not a right so we need to appreciate it.

Our Sydney Harbour Wharves are important to thousands of recreational anglers, especially those with accessibility challenges or no personal transport to take them to far-flung locations. Look after them so that we all continue to enjoy access. Be polite to commuters and other users, keep the noise down, keep the place cleaner than you found it.

New era for Shooters, Fishers and Farmers

RFA President Stan Konstantaras with The Hon Robert Brown MLC at Robert's Parliament House office last week.

The preselection panel of the NSW branch of the Shooters Fishers and Farmers Party has confirmed the election of party chairman Mr Mark Banasiak to head the Upper House ticket in the number one position, for the March 23 NSW State election.

Mark is a school teacher, father and long-time member of the party, volunteer and organiser at elections and one of the senior party executives.

Mark replaces the Hon. Robert Brown who has served the party since 2006 when he took the casual vacancy upon the retirement of the Hon. John Tingle.

The preselection committee also elected Brett Cooke to be in the number two position on the ticket. The party is hopeful of picking up an additional seat in the Upper House.

The RFA would like to thank Robert Brown for his long standing open door policy with the RFA and its members and for providing a steady hand in guiding the RFA down the dark corridors of the NSW Parliament and for all his support over many years. In 2008 Robert provided invaluable assistance to freshwater anglers in their campaign to stop the government's closure of the Gaden Trout Hatchery at Jindabyne. More recently, the $2.5 million dollars used to pay for the Southern Sydney Artificial Offshore Reef would not have been possible without Robert Brown and the SFFP standing shoulder to shoulder with the RFA of NSW, ANSA NSW and the local fishing club, nor the $2.5 million still waiting to be spent on a new boat ramp and fishing platform in Botany Bay. 

We look forward to calling on Robert to finally have a fish together with the RFA  and also to working with Mark Banasiak after the March election.

In memory of Sam Pavone


Sam Pavone passed away on 26th of January due to health complications.

He was best known as the former Captain of 'Jackpot ', the South Sydney Juniors Charter Boat. He was a previous holder of a world record for Heaviest Marlin and a local Aussie who ran Hawaiian game fishing charter trips. In recent years Sam was the Ambassador for ANSA NSW's Fishing 4 Therapy program. His survived three strokes but being confined to a wheelchair in no way stopped him leading a full life. Sam was first to our fishing sessions and last to leave.

Sam also starred in a video the RFA made a couple of years ago about the importance of recreational fishing access to Sydney wharves...Sam, of all people, felt very keenly about the importance of that access for anyone who was disabled.

Our condolences to Sam’s family and loving wife Chenny. He will also be dearly missed by all who knew this great man.Tight lines dear friend.

Flagship grants to boost coastal fish habitats
Grant applications open today for the second round of the large-scale Flagship Fish Habitat Grants program, which offers applicants up to $400,000 over two years.

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Fisheries Manager, Scott Nichols, said the funding initiative will benefit fish stocks by increasing the extent and quality of coastal fish habitats. 

“These grants offer a rare opportunity to improve fish habitat and catchment health on a large scale in your local creek, river or estuary," Mr Nichols said. 

“This is the second round of the Flagship Grant program. Projects we hope to see are those addressing wetland and riparian vegetation loss, riverbed and bank erosion, fish passage and poor water quality from the disturbance of acid sulfate soils.”

Mr Nichols said the Flagship Grants program builds on the existing Habitat Action Grants program and seeks to target much larger scale projects that require higher levels of funding assistance.

“Funding can support the planning and site preparation necessary to fix important fish habitats,” Mr Nichols said.

"Thanks to this grant program, applicants will be able to rehabilitate sites which have previously been hard to tackle due to a combination of either funding requirements and/or the associated environmental assessments and investigations needed.

“A maximum of $400,000 available per project, and these projects can run for up to two years.

“The first round of the Flagship Fish Habitat Grants invested $800,000 toward three flagship projects that are working to improve our coastal wetlands and waterways.

"Funded by the Recreational Fishing Trust, this program is another excellent example of how recreational fishing fees are helping to support and improve fisheries in NSW.” 

Since 2009, the Recreational Fishing Trust has invested over $5 million into the existing Habitat Action Grants program, which has attracted significant additional investment of nearly $13.5 million in-kind and cash contributions delivering improved fish populations in NSW through on-ground improvements in fish habitat. 

Applications for 2019 Flagship Grants open 11 February and close at 5pm, 12 April 2019. 

For more information about the program, go to: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/habitat/rehabilitating/ahr-grants-program/flagship-fish-eoi or contact Department of Primary Industries Fisheries Manager, Scott Nichols, on (02) 6626 1396.

New boat ramp promised for Coffs Harbour

Deputy Premier John Barilaro, local member Andrew Fraser and some key members of the CHRBRPEC, John Lawler, Geoff Parker, John Radford and Fred Aboulehaf - this committee has spent endless hours behind the scenes to get to this point and to finally see it at this point is amazing and a credit to their efforts!

Well let's hope this $10 million dollar boating promise to fix the Coffs Harbour Boat ramp once and for all comes with no strings or election promises attached!

This troubled-plagued Regional Offshore Boat ramp redesign/rebuild must deliver the expectations of all boaters and fishers who have worked hard through sheer frustration to get to this point of securing this money.

The RFA says well done to all the local fishers involved who would not take no for an answer!

Kingy farm failure

It seems the 'Kingy Farm Pen' trial at Port Stephens is over, 3 years early. They are removing what they have to, packing up what they can, and shipping it back to Tasmania.

One has to wonder what were all the actual impacts of the farmed pen fish trial, particularly when you read statements like this in media articles;
- Up to 17,000 predatory yellowtail kingfish, used to being fed automatically, were left hunting in the marine park waters after about 3,000 fish were recaptured.
- According to Huon, independent environmental sampling undertaken in the two years of trial found “no significant impact on seafloor ecology or water column chemistry”.

There were no SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS on the seafloor? Please show us the before-fish-farm-pens baseline pics, and the seafloor now, and maybe what happens in the future?

As to the 17,000 escapees: was that a significant environmental impact or not, particularly within one of the state's Marine Parks?

Oh, but hold on, if fish supposedly love sanctuary zones and never leave them, creating the famous 'spill over effect', then why don't farmed penned fish stay schooled up within their designated mapped zone?

Or, is this too related to another added theory and benefits of fish farming within a marine parks 'Spill Over Effect'?

If you recall, our NSW Marine Parks once had a Policy related to no added artificial habitats allowed like artificial reefs. Gee, how things change...at least our reefs accept and support mother nature's 'spill over effect', adding more habitat and different types of structure for fish and marine life to inhabit using our open door, everything is welcome policy…

Smells fishy!

PEP 11 Oil and Gas Project off the coast between Newcastle and Broken Bay

Last week the RFA and several other groups attended an information session held in Newcastle by the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science, the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority NOPSEMA (the Independent Regulator ), and the National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator NOPTA.

These are the main agencies and body overseeing oil and gas exploration and extraction across Australia, on land or in the water.

Overall, the PEP-11 project remains active under its Stage 2 Permit Work Plan and covers a reduced area of some 4,500 sq kms as pictured; the original PEP-11 Permit issued back in 1999 stretched from Port Stephens to Wollongong.


The two remaining tasks on the Work Plan is to drill an exploration well, and complete the seismic testing plan by conducting a powerful 3D survey.

Both these two tasks must start from February 2019, and be completed by February 2021.

If you feel you need to do something then please ask your Upper House NSW Federal Senators, or your local Lower House Federal Member running in the country's next Federal Election, sharing just what your thoughts are, or maybe send them via email to the Minister for Resources and Northern Australia, the Hon Matt Canavan, or call his office and share your thoughts politely with any of his staff.

Matthew Canavan
Email: senator.canavan@aph.gov.au
Electorate Office
(Principal Office)
Ground Floor
34 East Street
Rockhampton, QLD, 4700
Postal address
PO Box 737
Rockhampton, QLD, 4700
Telephone:(07) 4927 2003Fax:(07) 4927 2004Toll Free:1300 301 887
Parliament Office
PO Box 6100
Senate
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Telephone:(02) 6277 718

As further information comes to hand RFA will pass such on as soon as possible.

Statement on the recent fish kills in the Darling River and Menindee Lakes
Consistent with the ANSA ethos of protecting the aquatic environment for the benefit of recreational fishers and all Australians, ANSA NSW and its members are deeply concerned and angered by the current poor state of management of the Darling River and the wider Murray-Darling Basin, and the implications and dire consequences for fish habitat in the region.

The recent news of fish kills that may have seen up to a million fish perish has understandably shocked and angered recreational and sportfishing communities, leaving many concerned the common values we share as recreational fishers have been neglected by governments in favour of commercial and political interests.

It is of particular concern, noting the Murray Darling Basin Authority’s December 2018 Quarterly Report that, whilst other states seem to be progressing well with their Water Resource Plans (70-100% confidence), NSW is languishing at confidence levels as low as 10%-30% for the majority of the listed water courses. This, according to the report, largely ‘indicates that so far the state has made limited progress’.

The current state of toxicity in areas affected by the fish kills, combined with the extreme heatwaves we are experiencing, may yet lead to further environmental devastation. However, it is pleasing to see preventative works, such as aeration of waterways being undertaken in other sections of the Basin. Let’s hope this is the start of more comprehensive action and not simply lip service.

ANSA NSW supports a comprehensive, evidence-based enquiry into the administration of the Murray Darling Basin Plan, in collaboration with the Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation and other related recreational fishing peak bodies. We will communicate the impact the current predicament has on both the amenity of freshwater fishing in our state and the long-term sustainability of the entire Murray-Darling fishery.

It is the overwhelming opinion of recreational and sport fishers that a healthy fishery habitat, underpinned by sensible and sustainable water flows in the Murray Darling Basin, effective compliance, and management outcome monitoring, is the only way to achieve sound commercial, environmental and recreational balance. We will be communicating this need diligently.

Stan Konstantaras
President
ANSA NSW

NSW Fish deaths update from DPI - Fisheries 
(Issued 1 Feb)
NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Fisheries advises there have been no new large-scale sightings of fish deaths in the Menindee weir pool and neighbouring sections along the Darling River since Monday 28 January, however the risk of further fish kills remains high as a cool change moves across the state.
 
The contractor engaged by Central Darling Shire Council has completed the clean-up of the most recent fish death event within and adjacent to Menindee township, removing four tonnes of dead fish from the area. The majority of fish were Bony Herring with some Golden and Silver Perch as well as non-native carp. 
 
The clean-up contractor is now on standby, as the risk of further fish kills remains high.  
 
DPI is continuing to monitor water quality and is finalising an assessment of temporary aerators placed within the Darling River to provide localised water quality benefits.
 
Aerators are in place in the Darling River and at Lake Keepit. They provide a localised, temporary refuge for fish.
 
Fishers are encouraged to avoid fishing near aerators or fishing in areas where fish are already stressed.
 
DPI Fisheries Officers are also investigating further fish deaths in other areas of NSW including:
 
The Murrumbidgee River

• DPI Fisheries Officers investigated a recent fish kill at Redbank Weir that has affected thousands of fish.
• Up to 10,000 fish are believed to have died including Murray Cod, Golden Perch, Silver Perch and Carp during the initial fish death event.
• The cause is believed to be related to low dissolved oxygen levels associated with the same cool weather that contributed to the recent fish deaths at Menindee.
• Concerns remain regarding water quality within the Maude and Hay weir pools, and the potential for significant changes in air temperature to trigger further fish deaths.  
• DPI Fisheries is continuing to work with other state and federal agencies to develop a water delivery strategy for environmental water holdings within the Murrumbidgee to address ongoing water quality concerns.

• DPI Fisheries Officers undertook further inspections of Lake Keepit on the evening of 30 January and reported 10 large Murray Cod and numerous Golden Perch had died within the area previously affected by fish deaths.
• There was no evidence of further fish deaths during inspections on 31 January.

Hot and dry conditions are likely to pose ongoing threats to native fish.
 
Community members are encouraged to report fish deaths to the Fishers Watch hotline on 1800 043 536. 
 
More information on fish deaths and how they are managed can be accessed at https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/habitat/threats/fish-kills  

NSW DPI - Fisheries release interim report on fish kills

NSW DPI Fisheries has released an interim report on the fish kills on the Lower Darling.  You can download it at this link. 

MDBA rejects criticism from SA Royal Commission
The Murray–Daring Basin Authority (MDBA) has rejected "some" of the key criticism contained in the final report of the South Australian Royal Commission into the Murray–Darling Basin. Phillip Glyde, Chief Executive, has rejected the report's findings that the MDBA is guilty of maladministration and of acting unlawfully.

You can read their statement at this link.

The magic of Marine Graphics Ink

Nick Hannan has a business called Marine Graphics Ink and has been helping ANSA and the RFA of NSW with a few little projects recently. We’d just like to give him a plug—Nick’s incredible work is recognised as some of the best in the world, indeed he has designed boat wraps for clients in the USA, Europe, NZ, the Middle East and of course here in Australia.
 
You can check out his work at this link. I’m dreaming of that big Lotto win, a nice boat and a custom design from Nick.

PIRTEK Fishing Challenge 2019
The 2019 PIRTEK Fishing Challenge is on again, Sunday, March 17, 2019. The Challenge is a major fundraising initiative that helps to raise funds for Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) and awareness of the disease. More than 17,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer in Australia every year.

PIRTEK has been partners with PCFA since 2009 to help raise vital funds for prostate cancer research, awareness initiatives and support programs by hosting Australia’s biggest single day fishing competition. The challenge is also a major fundraising partner for the Peter Duncan Neurosciences Research Unit.

The challenge is an online national fishing competition open to all ages and experience levels. All competitors receive a limited-edition cap, brag mat and sticker, along with a redemption voucher for a bottle of PIRTEK Protect - lanolin grease which has been designed specifically for the marine and fishing industry. It can be redeemed at any one of the 98 PIRTEK outlets around Australia (find locations at www.pirtek.com.au).

This year, the Challenge is offering a record $213,000 in cash and prizes from Stacer/Evinrude, Snap On Tool, Berkley/ABU Garcia, Lowrance, BCF, Valvoline and Spotter.

For more information click this link.

The RFA opposes the proposed cruise ship terminal in Botany Bay
Tourism is important to all of us in NSW, but Botany Bay would have to be the worse place to bring tourists in on a ship, as the NSW government is proposing.

Proximity to the City is not viable, our roads from Port Botany into the City are a nightmare with the Eastern Distributor being choked every day with traffic. The Bay itself is very bland, the ship would dock next to the port and a cemetery. Welcome to Sydney folks!

We have lost so much fishable area in the Bay over the years, we cannot afford to lose any more. Anyone who lives near and fishes the Bay can see the damage to the environment and habitat that has been caused by extensions to the airport and container terminal. We cannot now accept more modifications to bring cruise ships in.

The suggested location at Yarra Bay is ridiculous. We already have a shipping port sitting behind a massive seawall to protect the container ships from the often large swells that enters the Bay, and now they want to load and unload cruise ships in front of this!
 
There are much better locations available in Sydney Harbour. The location below on the eastern side of Garden Island is viable: it's picturesque, the space is available, it’s a perfect location, ships could unload and load passengers via a dedicated ferry running nonstop to Circular Quay. Food and provisions could come through the navy base with minimal changes to security arrangements.



Respect your catch
Douk's Dish - BBQ Snapper with Red Curry Sauce

Ingredients
Snapper 1-4 Kg
Red curry paste, 3 tbs (the best red curry paste comes in plastic containers from any Asian grocery store)
Tin of coconut milk, 400ml 
Fresh ginger, 3 cm knob
Lemongrass, 1 stalk
Coriander, 1 bunch

Cooking
Chop the coriander root (not the leaves!), ginger and lemongrass finely.
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl
Cut 3 diagonal slits in the fish, rub half the marinade over fish, wrap in foil several times
BBQ for 15 mins in each side for a 1-2 kg fish, 20 mins for a 3-4 kg fish

Serve
Heat remaining marinade for 5 mins on stove
Pour hot marinade over the cooked fish
Top with chopped coriander leaves.

Bon Appetite.
Douk

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

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Reminders

2019 Lake Burrendong Easter Fishing Classic

The not for profit Lake Burrendong Easter Fishing Classic attracts thousands of anglers annually, who turn up in droves for a chance to share in a community driven prize pool of thousands of dollars in cash and prizes. This event, run by volunteers, has generated hundreds of thousands of dollars which has been put towards improving recreational fishing opportunities in central western NSW. 100% of proceeds go into making our inland waterways  healthier, better places to fish!  More info at www.iwra.com.au.

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A D V E R T I S E M E N T

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Pensioners and fishing licences 
​If you're the holder of a current Pensioner Concession Card issued by Centrelink or the Department of Veterans' Affairs you don’t need to pay the NSW Recreational Fishing Fee.

If you've been issued with one of these Concession Cards there is no need to pay any fees or fill in any forms - just take that card with you when you go fishing.

Want to know where your licence money goes?
The latest available summary of new projects recommended for funding from the Recreational Fishing Trusts  is online at this link.

Lost access to your local spot?
The RFA wants to know if your local spot has been closed to fishing so drop us a line and let us know what access you have lost recently. Email us. 

Compulsory lifejackets for rockfishers In Randwick area
With the NSW Police and others out enforcing the lifejacket laws the RFA wants to hear if you have been checked and what was experience like and was the information passed on relevant. Any constructive ideas of how they could do things better or if they are doing a great job will be passed on by the RFA’s Safety Officer. Let us know what you thought of the process of checking rockfishers for lifejackets in the Randwick LGA.

Crown road closure applications now ONLY online and in local papers
In August 2012 the NSW government started to clear a backlog of applications to convert Crown roads to freehold. This includes many 'paper roads' that could provide important fishing access to the public. Initially NSW DPI was monitoring the flow of applications and notifying angling groups including the RFA of any applications that could lead to loss of fishing access. However the number of applications has now increased dramatically and NSW DPI has stopped notifying angling groups due to lack of resources to cope with the avalanche. 

The NSW government launched an online service showing the applications at http://www.crownland.nsw.gov.au/crown_lands/roads

The roads notices are searchable by date, locality and local government area. The information will remain online for the full 28 day submission period for each proposed road closure. The maps contain information to clearly identify which roads are being offered for sale and closure, without revealing the identity of landholders or applicants.

Anglers must monitor the website and their local newspapers (the only place the government is obliged to advertise proposed closures) so they find out about closures in their area. If you don’t watch this situation and quickly lodge objections when necessary you could lose valuable access to your favourite places.

Promote your fishing club or community fishing event
If you have a local fishing competition or a charity or community fishing event, we are always happy to give it some publicity in this newsletter.

The newsletter goes out around the 25th day of every month of the year, to over 4,000 subscribers. You don’t have to be a member of the RFA of NSW. About 100-200 words is OK, however roughly written, and we always like a picture.

Sign up for free weather alerts for coastal and inland waters
You can sign up for alerts for NSW coast and inland waters direct from Maritime and can set your own alert trigger conditions and choose which locations you want covered. Alerts are sent daily when wind conditions exceed the trigger points you specify. Easy, useful and free.

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Who represents anglers?
We regularly get comments from anglers that they don't know who is on the advisory committees to the NSW government and that they don't know what issues are considered and decided by those committees. The information is on the web, but not always easy to find, so here are the links:

Recreational Fishing NSW Advisory Council 
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/recreational/recreational-fishing-fee/licence-fees-at-work/rfnsw

Advisory Council on Recreational Fishing minutes
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/recreational/recreational-fishing-fee/licence-fees-at-work/rfnsw

Recreational Fishing Freshwater Trust Expenditure Committee members and minutes
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/recreational/recreational-fishing-fee/licence-fees-at-work/rfftec

Recreational Fishing Saltwater Trust Expenditure Committee members and minutes
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/recreational/recreational-fishing-fee/licence-fees-at-work/rfstec

Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW Facebook page
www.facebook.com/RFANSW

NSW Council of Freshwater Anglers Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/NSWCFA

RFA videos now on YouTube channel

 

The RFA of NSW now has a YouTube channel where all our safe fishing videos can be viewed. Go to www.youtube.com/safefishing to see the channel.

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