Structural adjustment payments for commercial fishers
Stage 1 and 2 applications now closed
Eligible commercial licence holders and supply chain businesses can still apply for Stage 3 payments if they are affected by the:
- phase-out of gillnets on the Great Barrier Reef
- Great Sandy Marine Park rezoning
- new Gulf of Carpentaria gillnet-free areas.
The Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) assesses applications and administers payments.
Stage 3 payments
Applications close 30 January 2025
- Apply online for stage 3 payments
- Phone QRIDA on 1800 623 946
Supply chain business grants
Supply chain businesses can apply for grants if they have lost 75% or more of their business turnover due to:
- phase-out of gillnets on the Great Barrier Reef
- changes to the Great Sandy Marine Park zoning plan.
Gillnet buyback
Fishers can apply for a payment to surrender useable gillnets if they:
- had retired N1, N2 or N4 symbols on their primary commercial fishing licence, or
- surrendered their licence or N3 symbol in the Gulf.
Fishers whose gillnets are not in useable condition can also register to surrender their nets, which will be disposed of for free.
Gillnet reel boat refit grants
Fishers can apply for a grant to refit gillnet reel boats if they:
- had retired N1, N2 or N4 symbols on their primary commercial fishing licence, or
- surrendered their licence or N3 symbol in the Gulf.
Financial counselling
Free and confidential financial counselling services are available if you:
- need help with your application
- want to talk to someone about your business.
Contact the Rural Financial Counselling Service:
Other grants and support
- Support for the fisheries industry – learn about training opportunities and support available for the fisheries industry.
- Business Basics Grant – increase resilience, core skills and adopt best practice.
- Mentoring for Growth Program – access advice from volunteer business experts.
- Small Business Support Network – free financial counselling, wellness coaching and other support services.
- Business Queensland Connect newsletter – find out about upcoming events and grants.
- Back to Work – find out about employer and jobseeker funding, support and services.