Grants available for boating infrastructure

The Minister for Roads and Ports Duncan Gay has called for applications from councils, boating clubs and community groups for boating infrastructure projects under the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) Better Boating Program (BBP).

Minister Gay said the BBP provided up to $5 million each year to improve boating facilities across NSW.

"To be eligible, projects need to meet essential criteria with planned infrastructure being of a lasting nature, available for use by a broad cross-section of the community and supported by the boating public, council and the community," Minister Gay said.

"Previous funding rounds have supported projects including boat ramps, public wharves, public pontoon facilities, dinghy storage and sewage pump-out facilities.

"BBP funding can be accessed to support new as well as upgraded facilities."

Minister Gay said improved disability and public access as well as modern, practical and safety-oriented designs were particularly welcomed.

"These grants fund projects that benefit the general boating community across NSW, helping to deliver safe and convenient access to our waterways, Minister Gay said.

Since 1998 more than $35 million in BBP grants has been provided to support more than 600 projects across the state.

In 2011-12, grant applications worth $4.9 million were approved under BBP for 62 projects including:
- 53 projects in regional NSW worth more than $3 million;
- Four boat ramp projects in Sydney Harbour worth more than $1.5 million; and
- Five water-based projects as part of the Sharing Sydney Harbour Access Program worth more than $300,000.

The current round of grant applications will close on Friday 3 August 2012.

For more information on BBP: http://www.maritime.nsw.gov.au/mpd/infra_grants.html