WA grants for recreational boating facilities - closing soon!

by Department of Transport WA on 11 Jan 2011 Time is running out for authorities to apply for their share of a record $6.5 million in State Government funding to improve facilities for recreational boating in WA.

Department of Transport New Coastal Assets Manager Martin Baird said applications close on February 16 for Round 16 of the highly successful Recreational Boating Facilities Scheme (RBFS).

Mr Baird said this year $5 million from Royalties for Regions has been added to the funding available from boat registration fees, and the same amount will be added to each of the next three rounds.

He urged local governments, State Government departments and statutory authorities to lodge their applications as soon as possible.

'Authorities can apply for grants of up to 75 per cent of the estimated cost of the project,' he said.

'The maximum amount for an individual grant has been significantly increased this year - $750,000 in the Perth metropolitan area and $2,250,000 in regional WA.

'This should allow authorities to construct some of the larger and more expensive types of infrastructure needed for the growing number of recreational boaters.'

'People with an idea for a new public facility or thoughts on improvements to an existing one should contact their local government as soon as possible to discuss their proposal.'

The RBFS contributes to the provision of upgraded or new ramps, jetties and associated boating facilities along the coast and on inland waterways. Since 1999, the RBFS has seen $11.2 million allocated to 225 projects throughout WA.

Application forms and further information are available at transport.wa.gov.au/rbfs or by contacting the Department on 9216 8917.

Applications close on February 16, 2011.

More at www.transport.wa.gov.au/21903.asp