A NSW State Government 2016-17 recreational fishing grant of $60,000 has been awarded to Shoalhaven City Council to assist with upgrading historical facilities at Bawley Point gantry and mill.
The Bawley Point and Kioloa Community Association worked with council to apply for the conservation grant in early 2016, prior to the loss of the gantry during the June east coast low.
Following the loss the grant application was amended to include the restoration of the popular fishing spot, along with a heritage walk, improved access track, carpark upgrades and historical signage.
“I am pleased to announce a grant of $60,000 has been awarded for council to assist with upgrading the historically significant heritage gantry at Bawley Point,” Member for the South Coast Shelley Hancock said.
“The existing platform is a popular fishing spot but is unsafe due to deterioration and weathering.
“It is vitally important we invest in infrastructure and programs to support and enhance such a popular and healthy activity as recreational fishing.”
So many in the community were dismayed to learn that the local icon had been severely damaged.
- Shelley Hancock
The Bawley Point and Kioloa Community Association will work with council to develop plans for the area.
The project is one of 42 across the state designed to improve the recreational fishing experience for local fishers.
“It is great to see $2.2 million will be invested across NSW this financial year. This is on top of $13.6 million worth of existing projects funded through the Recreational Fishing Trust,” Mrs Hancock said.
“The NSW Government is proud of its recreational fishing sector and fishers can be assured that when they purchase a fishing licence, their money is going straight back into the Trust to develop projects that will enhance their fishing experience.”
The recreational fishing sector in NSW generates around $3.4 billion to the State’s economy and accounts for more than 14,000 jobs across NSW.
