Key information
- Status: Open
- Grant amount: Up to $10,000
- Application opened: 4 February 2026
- Application closes: 11 June 2026, 4:00 pm
Program objective
The objectives of the program are to support commercial fishing business owners to transition to the long-term management of white spot virus and assist them to make decisions regarding their future in the commercial fishing industry.
The required outcomes of the program are for commercial fishing business owners to have the opportunity to seek financial guidance and training in transitioning to the long-term management of white spot virus in the Clarence, Evans and Richmond River areas.
The scope and types of initiatives which this grant opportunity is aimed at, include funding for both financial guidance and training support.
Please refer to the program Guidelines for details.
This program is administered by Fisheries and Forestry.
Eligibility
Who can apply
Eligible applicants for Financial Guidance Grants (up to $1,000) must meet all of the following requirements:
- have an Australian Business Number (ABN)
- be registered for GST
- be one of the following:
- a company incorporated in Australia
- an incorporated association or co-operative
- a partnership
- a sole trader
- 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 component of which are Estuary General Prawning – Region 1, Estuary General Prawning – Region 2 or Estuary Prawn Trawl – Clarence River shares.
Eligible applicants for Training Grants (up to $9,000) must meet all of the following requirements:
- have an Australian Business Number (ABN)
- be registered for GST
- be one of the following:
- a company incorporated in Australia
- an incorporated association or co-operative
- a partnership
- a sole trader
- 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 component of which are Estuary General Prawning – Region 1, Estuary General Prawning – Region 2 or Estuary Prawn Trawl – Clarence River and the support payment conditional on the surrender of shares.
Please refer to the program guidelines for details.
Types of projects funded under this grant
The project costs must support the objectives of the program which include:
- Financial guidance obtained via a suitably accredited advisor
- Training from a Registered Training Organisation (“RTO”)
Examples of eligible project costs are as follows:
- Chartered Accountant consultation business transition guidance.
- Enrolment in training with an RTO
What your application needs to include
Prepare your application with this checklist
Each application must include evidence to confirm the applicant's eligibility for the funding, including evidence of ownership of a fishing business component of which are Estuary General Prawning – Region 1, Estuary General Prawning – Region 2 or Estuary Prawn Trawl – Clarence River shares.
Please refer to the program guidelines and frequently asked questions for details.
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
Before you apply, please refer to the program guidelines for details.
Program funding is limited, and applications will be considered in order of date received.
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 Prawn Fishers 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