January 2, 2026
Every year, our recreational fishing licence fees are reinvested into projects and programs that will have a positive impact on Victoria’s recreational fishing sector.
If you have an idea that will make Victoria’s fishing better, there is currently funding available for projects that will improve Victoria’s fishing through the Victorian Fisheries Authority’s recreational fishing licence grants program.
If your fishing club is a member of VRFish and requires support with your applications, please contact [email protected] or 03 5221 1104.
Recreational Fishing Licence Grants Program
- Large Grants Program closes Saturday, 28 February 2026
- Small and Intermediate Grants are open to applications year-round.
Every year, the Victorian Fisheries Authority calls for applications for projects to be funded via the recreational fishing licence grants program that will improve recreational fishing in Victoria. The recreational fishing grants program disburses recreational fishing licence (RFL) revenue that is held in the RFL Trust Account.
We encourage our fishing club and association members to consider applying for the grants program if they have any ideas for potential projects to improve fishing in their local area.
The Recreational Fishing Grants Program (RFGP) consists of four different types of grants, including:
- Small Grants Program that is continually open to fund small projects (for projects up to $5,000 – GST Exclusive).
- Intermediate Grants Program that is continually open to applications from angling clubs and associations and not-for-profit community groups (for projects from $5,000 – $50,000 GST Exclusive).
- Large Grants Program (for projects from $50,001 to $100,000 – GST Exclusive).
- Commissioning Program for large priority projects (generally in excess of $100,000).
Some examples of projects that could be funded through the program include:
- Installing solar lighting at your local jetty
- Installing fish cleaning tables at your local boat ramp
- Upgrades to make your local jetty all-abilities accessible
- Improving access to a publicly accessible fishing spot
- Installing in-stream habitat in your local waterway
- Riparian works including fencing, planting or stiles
- Recreational fishing related education, information and training
- Recreational fisheries research
- Community events such as fishing club promotion days, come-and-try fishing days, or Gone Fishing Day events
- Promotion of participation in fishing, such as increasing female or children’s participation in fishing
The Large Grants Program is open for applications until 28 February 2026.
The Small Grants and Intermediate Grants are open to applications year-round.
For further information or to discuss potential applications please contact:
Victorian Fisheries Authority, The Secretariat, Recreational Fishing Grants Program
0417 038 775 or [email protected]
If your club or association requires any assistance or support with your applications from VRFish, contact: [email protected] or 03 5221 1104
