Big budget allotted to bolster NSW boating facilities

by RMS on 31 Jan 2013 Minister for Roads and Ports Duncan Gay announced on Thursday more than $4.36 million in grants to provide new and improved boating facilities across NSW.

'This funding will support 55 projects in regional NSW and five boat ramp projects in Sydney Harbour,' Mr Gay said.

'It will be allocated through the Better Boating Program (BBP) and combined with the funds yet to be allocated under the Sharing Sydney Harbour Access Program, a total of around $5 million will be provided for projects across NSW this financial year.

'This is grassroots funding we’re sending straight to local communities, improving access to waterways, making boating safer and more convenient for the approximately 1.5 million who people go boating in NSW each year - whether they’re out in the runabout with the kids, taking the jet ski out with mates or even just throwing in a line from a tinny.'

BBP funding covers up to half the cost of each project and is provided to local councils and other authorities, which match the funding dollar for dollar.

Sydney project highlights included in 2012-13 BBP funding:

• $245,450 awarded to Hunters Hill Council for the upgrade of the Margaret Street boat ramp car park at Woolwich
• $300,000 awarded to National Parks and Wildlife Service to upgrade the car park at the Davidson Park boat ramp at Killarney Heights
• $200,000 awarded to Lane Cove Council for a new floating pontoon next to the existing Burns Bay boat ramp at Riverview

Regional grant highlights include:

• $148,750 awarded to Ballina Shire Council for stage two of the East Wardell boat ramp upgrade
• $112,500 awarded to Great Lakes Council to upgrade the Forster Boat Harbour boat ramp
• $400,000 awarded to Wyong Shire Council for a major upgrade of Norah Head boat ramp
• $246,706 awarded to Liverpool City Council for the first stage of upgrades to boat launching facilities at Davy Robinson Park at Moorebank
• $212,500 awarded to Kiama Municipal Council for a 40 metre extension of the existing wharf at the Kiama boat ramp to allow more recreational and charter vessels to access the harbour
• $166,500 awarded to the National Parks and Wildlife Service for the redevelopment of boat launching facilities at the Murray Valley Regional Park at Moama