Key information
- Status: Open
- Grant amount: Up to $10,000
- Application opened: 4 August 2026
- Application closes: 8 June 2027, 4:00 pm
Program objective
The objectives of the program are to support abalone shareholders through the transition to a new management framework for the commercial abalone fishery and assist them to make decisions regarding their future in the commercial fishing industry.
The required outcomes of the program are for abalone shareholders to have the opportunity to seek financial guidance and training in transitioning to a new management framework.
The scope and types of initiatives, which this grant opportunity is aimed at, include funding for both financial guidance and training.
This program is administered by Fisheries and Forestry.
Eligibility
Who can apply
Eligible applicants for Financial Guidance Grants (up to $1,000)
To be eligible for grant funding, an applicant must meet all of the following requirements:
- have an Australian Business Number (ABN)
- be one of the following:
- a company incorporated in Australia
- an incorporated association or co-operative
- a partnership
- a sole trader
- be registered for GST
- declare in the application form that the applicant is not aware of any issues which could cause reputational or other risks to the NSW Government
- provide evidence of ownership of a fishing business which includes abalone shares.
Eligible applicants for Training Grants (up to $9,000)
To be eligible for grant funding, an applicant must meet all of the following requirements:
- have an Australian Business Number (ABN)
- be one of the following:
- a company incorporated in Australia
- an incorporated association or co-operative
- a partnership
- a sole trader
- be registered for GST
- declare in the application form that the applicant is not aware of any issues which could cause reputational or other risks to the NSW Government
- provide evidence of ownership of a fishing business which includes abalone shares, and having received the act of grace payment made conditional on the surrender of all abalone shares.
If an applicant’s circumstances in relation to the above eligibility criteria change, the applicant should provide updated information by contacting DPIRD using the Enquiries/Getting Support details in the Key information.
Types of projects funded under this grant
The project/activities must meet all of the following requirements to be eligible:
- apply for the grant funding by 1 June 2027
- provide evidence of ownership of a fishing business which includes abalone shares
- if applying for the Training Grants (up to $9,000), the act of grace payment details of the surrender of all abalone shares must be provided.
What costs you can apply for
The project costs must support the objectives of the program.
The following types of project costs are eligible for funding:
- financial guidance obtained via a suitably accredited advisor
- training from a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
Some examples of eligible project costs, listed as guidance only, include:
- Chartered Accountant consultation business transition guidance
- enrolment in training with an RTO.
What costs you can't apply for
The following project costs are ineligible for funding:
- financial guidance from unqualified person
- training from an organisation that it is non-registered
- claims for software or hardware to assist with financial and training matters.
What your application needs to include
Prepare your application with this checklist
Each application must include the documents listed in the application form, including your DPIRD-issued Fishing Business Determination Certificate.
If an application is missing information or is incomplete, DPIRD may, in its sole discretion, work with you to clarify or request any missing or incomplete information from you or any business or individual you have engaged. DPIRD will not start assessing the application until, in DPIRD’s sole opinion, the application is complete.
DPIRD may withdraw an application once there has been no response to 3 attempts at contact with the applicant.
Address the eligibility criteria
Each applicant, as part of an application response, must confirm that they meet the eligibility criteria.
Applicants that do not address the eligibility criteria in full may be excluded from the application process at the department's discretion.
Start the application
Applicants will receive a notification of receipt by email.
DPIRD may contact you to verify information or seek further information. DPIRD may also carry out its own enquiries to validate any information provided in the course of assessing the application.
DPIRD will use best endeavours to inform applicants of the outcome of their application within 30 business days following receipt of a complete application.
De-identified information on applicant funding per Local Government Area will be published on the NSW Government Grants and Funding Finder website.
If an application is not found suitable for funding, DPIRD will inform the applicant in writing of the outcome and provide the opportunity for feedback.
Note: If you are a new applicant to SmartyGrants, you will need to register and create a password. If you are already registered, you can log in with your existing username and password.
Apply now
After the application is submitted
Successful applications will be decided by: Director Fisheries Management, Fisheries and Forestry
The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) - Fisheries & Forestry Project Assessment Team will assess each application to determine if the application meets the requirements outlined in the Abalone Financial Guidance and Training Support Program Guidelines eligibility criteria.
- DPIRD Fisheries & Forestry Project Assessment Team processes applications in the order they are received and will notify you of your application outcome as soon as possible.
- Once your application is approved, the DPIRD Fisheries and Forestry will provide detailed information on the claims process. You can claim payment up to the maximum approved grant amount by submitting valid tax invoices and proof of payment for eligible expenses.
Support and contact
Website: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/commercial
Phone number: 1300 726 488
Email: commercialfisheries@dpird.nsw.gov.au