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Wapil 2 Project Grants open for Traditional Inhabitant Boat (TIB) fishers

Full-time Traditional Inhabitant Boat (TIB) fishers are eligible for grant funding to replace boating and fishing assets, as part of the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) Wapil 2 Project.

To be eligible, full-time TIB fishers will need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), meeting the following criteria:

  • evidence of TIB licence holder registration (Australian Fisheries Management Authority- AFMA on behalf of Protected Zone Joint Authority -PZJA)
  • fish receiver receipts to prove commercial fishing is the main source of income for at least the past 12 months
  • a current Australian Business Number (ABN) to prove business operations
  • certificates of compliance or exemption certificates with Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA)
  • a resident in the Torres Strait or Northern Peninsular Area (Bamaga and Seisia).

TSRA Chairperson Napau Pedro Stephen AM explained the importance of building the capability of TIB fishers and ensuring safe practices at sea.

“Our fishermen must be supported to grow their businesses sustainably and be well-equipped to make it home safely after every voyage,” he said.

“The TSRA has committed $1.2million towards critical asset replacement for eligible fishers to replace faulty outboards, boat trailers and hookah compressors,

“These assets must be used 85% of the time for commercial fishing, and are nearing the end of their life usage,” he added.

TIB fishers can submit their EOI or request more information from the TSRA Fisheries Team at fisheries@tsra.gov.au.

All TIB fishers who submit an EOI will be invited to other funding, training and support services available through Wapil 2 Phase 1.

Wapil 2 is a 3-year project designed to develop an ecological and economically sustainable fisheries industry in the Torres Strait. The project is funded by TSRA, Department of Employment, Small Business and Training (DESBT) and the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA).