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Tourism boost for SA’s charter boat industry

Published on Jul 23, 2021

South Australia’s charter boat industry will get a big boost with six projects worth more than $260,000 receiving funding from the Marshall Liberal Government to help improve tourism experiences.

The $80,000 government funding is the second round of the $500,000 Fishing for Tourism – Charter Boat Diversification Program which was established in late 2019 to help the sector in the wake of the snapper fishing closure in the Spencer Gulf, West Coast and Gulf St Vincent.

Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham said the COVID-19 pandemic had significantly impacted the sector due to social distancing requirements, but the sector could gain from South Australians opting to embrace new experiences in our regions.

“The charter boat sector is a critical part of our regional economy encouraging people to visit our regions and supporting local jobs,” Minister Basham said.

“The Marshall Liberal Government is continuing to support this sector in developing tourism options in order to bring a new range of customers on board.

“The $500,000 Charter Boat Diversification Program is helping strengthen the charter boat sector by co-investing in projects to enhance charter boat operators’ offering as a tourism experience.

“Eleven businesses benefitted from the first round of funding, and in April this year we opened a second round, inviting businesses to apply for between $2,000 and $25,000 to undertake projects to enhance their tourism offerings.

“Today I’m pleased to announce that six projects have qualified for funding and will be able to develop their businesses in new ways to attract additional tourists.

“The six projects are worth more than $260,000 and range from visitor experience improvements and vessel upgrades to the installation of desalination units.

“South Australians have always made up the largest group of customers for the charter fishing sector, so this will continue to provide options and enhancements to attract new participants.”

A range projects were successful in gaining funding under Round 2 of the program:

  • J & K Newton Enterprises: $25,000 – upgrading existing vessel to provide more deck room, improved customer experience, ability to take on a wider range of sea conditions and potential to provide access to beaches, fishing locations and overnight camping areas.
  • Pt Hughes Fishing Charters: $1,955.47 – expansion of current service to enable on board catering, ability to take on a wider range of sea conditions and make boat alterations including upgrade of boat survey.
  • EP Cruises: $8903.78 – installation of a desalination unit to enable freshwater availability.
  • Cape Fishing Charters: $9,234.05 - new seating, hand washing tap, weather protection, upgrade of cabin interior.
  • Fuzzell’s Fishing Adventures: $25,000 - an all-weather facility where clients can clean and cook their catch.
  • Yorke Peninsula Fishing Charter: $13,800.41 - new motors, waders for clients, advertising materials, heaters to expand the tourism venture beyond fishing.

For more information: pir.sa.gov.au/fishing-for-tourism

Tourism boost for SA’s charter boat industry