$1 million in fee relief for NSW’s bushfire-affected fisheries

The NSW Government will provide more than $1 million in relief to support bushfire affected commercial fishing businesses and charter boat operators, with Deputy Premier John Barilaro and the Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall announcing a major fee waiver yesterday.

Mr Barilaro said the bushfires had taken a severe toll on the state’s primary industries, and NSW commercial fishers were no exception.

“Our communities in Regional NSW have copped enough with devastating bushfires and the ongoing drought.”

“Commercial fishing businesses employ thousands of local residents and it is vital we keep the local economy ticking and give them a hand up during the recovery phase.”

“The recent bushfires have not only hindered access to fishing grounds due to area and road closures, there have also been limitations on fishers’ ability to get products to wholesalers, markets and cooperatives,” Mr Barilaro said.

Mr Marshall said that under this waiver, fishing business owners will not have to pay the second instalment of management charges that would have otherwise been due on February 28, 2020.

“Almost 1,200 businesses will receive a fee waiver, providing essential financial relief for those experiencing the impacts of bushfires.

“Our fishing businesses play a vital role in the economic health of coastal communities throughout NSW and this is one way the government can support the industry during such a difficult time.”

Chief Executive Officer of the Professional Fisher’s Association Tricia Beatty said the fee waiver was welcome relief for many fishers who have been through a tough time.

“Our industry have been struggling under the pressure of the ongoing drought and the more recent impacts of fires, floods and now the coronavirus,” Ms Beatty said.

“We welcome the NSW Government’s announcement to support our industry through a fee relief to reduce the burdens we face.”

Fishers who have already paid the management charges due for that instalment will receive a credit on their account with the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI).