Recreational Fishing Peak Body EOI
The establishment of an independent peak body for recreational fishing will help the NSW Government to deliver its programs to over one million recreational fishers more effectively, by representing and advocating for their interests and ensuring long-term sustainable access to the resource.
Consultation
Consultation to consider appropriate funding and governance models was conducted with key stakeholders from angling and spearfishing organisations, the tackle industry, women’s fishing groups, mental health and wellbeing experts, young and emerging fishing leaders, fishing media, fishers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the disability sector and the charter fishing industry.
Broader public consultation was also completed for a period of 8 weeks in 2025 to seek feedback on the level of support for establishing a peak body, and for the proposed peak body model.
Download the summary of public consultation (PDF, 1013.76 KB).
Expressions of Interest
The next step is to select a group of dedicated recreational fishers and professionals through an expression of interest process, who have the expertise needed to successfully establish the body and function as its initial board when it commences operation.
The prospective chair and up to 9 other board members will be selected by an independent panel.
The panel will be looking to select members who have both a broad knowledge of recreational fishing and a range of other relevant experience, including but not limited to effective leadership and communication skills, being an innovative thinker, ability to negotiate outcomes and operating with integrity.
Expressions of interest for the board of the peak fishing body closed on 30 March 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
The peak body will:
- represent recreational fishers on issues affecting access, sustainability and participation
- promote responsible and safe fishing
- contribute to fisheries and habitat management
- support fair access to fishing resources
- help make recreational fishing accessible to all communities
- communicate with fishers and work with other marine users
- support activities that strengthen recreational fishing in NSW
Up to 10 members, including a chair.
Board members may serve terms of up to 4 years.
Half of the first board will stand for reappointment at the first AGM.
Members may serve up to 2 consecutive terms.
Anyone with:
- experience in recreational fishing, and
- skills that will support the establishment and operation of the new organisation.
Applicants must demonstrate the following essential qualities:
- Commitment to the organisation’s purpose and long term success, including the time needed to contribute effectively
- Leadership skills, including the ability to represent the organisation, take responsibility for decisions, and guide change
- Integrity and ethics, including modelling organisational values, understanding board responsibilities and committing to ongoing professional development
- Effective listening and communication skills, including the ability to consider different viewpoints, ask questions and communicate clearly with diverse stakeholders
- Influencing and negotiating skills, including the ability to gain support for decisions and negotiate outcomes
- Critical and innovative thinking, including the ability to analyse complex issues and develop solutions
- Knowledge and experience in recreational fishing.
Applicants should also have experience in at least one of the following desirable skill areas:
- board or leadership experience
- finance or project management
- law or governance
- fisheries science
- audit or risk management
- human resources
- communications or stakeholder engagement
- recreational fishing experience in NSW regions (coastal or inland)
No single applicant is expected to have all skills.
The first board will agree on the initial remuneration level before establishment.
It is expected that agreed remuneration would not exceed:
- $5,000 per year for members
- $10,000 per year for the chair
- Expenses will be covered as set out in the constitution
Ongoing remuneration will be confirmed by members at the first AGM.
Your EOI must include:
- a response to the selection criteria
- a summary of relevant experience (employment, committees, volunteering, fishing experience)
- contact details for two referees (if available)
Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Expressions of interest for the board of the peak fishing body closed on 30 March 2026.
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For further assistance, contact fisheries.info@dpird.nsw.gov.au or call (02) 4916 3940.
