What is the RFA
The Recreational Fishing Alliance of New South Wales was formally established on March 12th, 2000 following a meeting of recreational fishing organisation delegates from around the state of New South Wales.

Borne out of frustration with the past and present management of the fishery in NSW, the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) aims to generate real communication and consultation between Government Bodies such as the Department of Primary Industries (NSW Fisheries), Government Representatives and the recreational anglers of NSW.

The aims and objectives of the RFA are:

- To promote sustainable fishing practices throughout NSW.
- To represent the interests of the anglers of NSW.
- To gain equitable representation in the management of the State’s fishery.
- To encourage the participation of children in recreational fishing.
- To pursue and secure the rights of recreational anglers to fish NSW waters.
- To encourage recreational anglers to become involved in the well being of the fishery.
- To promote consultation and communication between Government Bodies and the State’s anglers.

The Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW has a mission to be recognised as the peak recreational fishing body in New South Wales. In the pursuit of this mission the Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW has set two goals. One is to deliver leadership to the recreational fishing industry and secondly to contribute to sustainability of our fisheries resource.

Members
The Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW is made up of representatives from member associations, these include;

- The Australian National Sportfishing Association - NSW Branch
- Underwater Skindivers and Fishermen's Association
- New South Wales Fishing Clubs Association
- New South Wales Council of Freshwater Anglers

Apart from the four member groups, the Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW has close affiliations with the tackle industry, The NSW Department of Primary Industries, NSW Sport and Recreational and local government.

Achievements
Executive members and delegates to the RFA are active in a wide range of fishing organisations and government consultative committees. These include:
— Recfish Australia
— NSW DPI’s Advisory Council on Recreational Fishing
— NSW DPI’s Recreational Fishing Freshwater Trust Expenditure Committee
— NSW DPI’s Recreational Fishing Saltwater Trust Expenditure Committee
— NSW DPI’s Estuary General Management Advisory Committee
— NSW DPI’s Estuary Prawn Trawl Management Advisory Committee
— NSW DPI’s Trout Allocation Committee
— NSW DPI’s Snowy Lakes Working Group
— NSW Maritime’s Recreational Vessel Advisory Group
— Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Management Authority.

The RFA is constantly in consultation with DPI Fisheries and the NSW Government on issues as diverse as safe consumption of seafood, submarine cable exclusion zones, fishing safety and accommodating all users of Marine Parks.

All the Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW policies can be viewed on our website.

Community projects
In 2007 the Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW completed an award winning, government and industry funded project to educate recreational anglers and the broader community about rock fishing safety. This included the development, production and distribution of free rock fishing safety DVDs, posters, pamphlets, brochures and television commercials, as well as community seminars targeting non-English speaking anglers.

The RFA is also focusing on the dissemination of information within the fishing community, distributing electronic bulletins linking anglers to information on draft zoning plans, meeting dates, consultation processes and a raft of other relevant information to encourage anglers to get involved and participate in the well-being of the fishery.

Recently the RFA of NSW has secured funding from the government and invaluable support from the recreational fishing industry to support projects such as a ‘future leaders’ program and further fishing safety DVDs focusing on freshwater fishing and boating safety.

Individuals and organisations wishing to become involved with the Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW can contact:

Malcolm Poole (Chairperson/President)
(Email President)
Stan Konstantaras (Secretary)
(Email Secretary)
Joe Garufi (Publicity Officer)
(Email Publicity Officer)

The Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW also has a regularly updated website, which you are most welcome to visit. The website address is www.rfansw.com.au