Funds available for boating programs and infrastructure

Boat registrations and licences are a rich source of boating revenue for most State governments, including NSW, which has just announced applications for funding under Round 2 of the Boating Now Program are now open.

Under this second round, $17 million is said to be available to councils, other authorities, community groups and other boating stakeholders to help deliver improved recreational boating infrastructure across NSW.

Projects in the past have included new and upgraded boat ramps, boat-trailer parking facilities (more needed), pontoons, jetties and sewage pump-outs.

But since the crackdown on boat parking by councils in the Sydney sububs, investment in trailerboat parking is sorely needed. While grants have been available for some time, many councils are turning a blind eye to boaters' needs.

All kinds of boating issues are in need in investment in NSW — from ageing  amenities, boat trailer security at ramps, to a lack of ramps on Sydney Harbour, and the big trailerboat parking issue in suburban areas.

Transport for NSW and Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) says it conducted extensive consultation with the boating community, boating stakeholders and local government in 2014 on boating safety, access and infrastructure priorities across the state. This consultation informed the development of 11 Regional Boating Plans which were released in early 2015.

The Regional Boating Plans identified 192 boating infrastructure projects that RMS says are currently being funded under Round 1 of the $70 million Boating Now Program. In total $37.5 million was allocated to the delivery of these projects, many of which have been completed or are underway for completion by the end of 2017.

In the meantime, trailerboat parking legislation has changed and councils now have the power to impound trailerboats parked on streets that haven't moved in 28 days. What's really needed is some investment in secure trailerboat parking lots, but councils just aren't interested.

Ironically, many of the infrastructure projects that do get off the ground involve sailing and yachting organisations that don’t pay anywhere near as much as the trailerboat fraternity in respect of licencing and registration.

Some serious investment is needed in amenities for the common boater in NSW. More than 90 per cent of all boats sold and registered in NSW are trailerable and less than 6m in length.

Applications for funding are open until August 20, 2017. More at NSW Boating Now.