More support for fishing industry

To support commercial fishers impacted by the ban on fishing in Gulf St Vincent to come into effect from 1 November 2025 (announced yesterday), more fee relief and assistance grants have been announced. 

Licence fee relief is available for the rest of the financial year, while grants of up to $375,000 can be accessed through to July 31 next year. 

Small businesses affected can apply for a third round of grants, which have been increased to $20,000.

Announcements included: 

Fishing fee relief and industry assistance grants:

Affected licence holders can access fee relief, as well as grants of up to $375,000 for business support, employee retention and diversification. Fee relief will be automatically applied for the remainder of 2025-26, while the closure date for the Fisheries and Aquaculture Assistance Grant and Small Business Support Grant will be extended to 31 July 2026.

Expanded Small Business Support grants:

A third round of Small Business Support grants will be introduced, while the value of grants under the second and third round will be increased to $20,000. This means an eligible small business may be entitled up to $50,000 in support for downturn through until mid-2026.

For further information visit: Fish Recovery Program and Summer Plan

The Algal Bloom Hotline is 1800 774 779.