NSW Government provides record $5M support for boating facilities

by NSW Government Media on 11 Dec 2009 Ports and Waterways Minister Paul McLeay today announced the Government has approved more than $5 million in NSW Maritime grants to provide new and improved boating facilities across NSW.

The record $5.26 million in funding under the Government’s Better Boating Program will support 56 projects in regional NSW and nine boat ramp developments in Sydney Harbour.

'This State is blessed with the best waterways in Australia, from Sydney Harbour and Pittwater, to the Tweed and Murray Rivers,' Mr McLeay said. 'Our abundance of rivers, lakes, dams, harbours and estuaries provide many wonderful opportunities for people to experience the fun of boating.


'It is estimated 1.5 million people go boating each year in NSW and this underpins a boating industry worth more than $2 billion annually to this State. 'This funding represents an increase of almost 50 per cent over the previous year and recognizes the important role boating has to play in our communities and the economy.'

Mr McLeay announced the Better Boating funding for 2009-10 while officially opening an upgraded boat ramp and new pontoon at Taplin Park, Drummoyne.

NSW Maritime provided an initial $227,000 in 2007-08 towards the project and today Mr McLeay joined Drummoyne MP Angela D’Amore in announcing an additional grant of more than $768,000 to support further improvements to Taplin Park this financial year.

'This additional grant includes $653,493 to fund further works for approximately 20 car and trailer parking spaces, lighting, drainage and extensive landscaping at the site,' Ms D’Amore said.

'These works will almost double the capacity of the existing car trailer parking, making Taplin Park a truly first class facility for Sydney Harbour.

'The grant also includes $115,000 for the completed pontoon and extension of the concrete boat ramp, which will allow safer launching and retrieval of a variety of pleasure craft'.

Mr McLeay said NSW Maritime has provided more than $25 million in grants supporting more than 470 projects since 1998, from dinghy storage racks and boat ramps to jetties and vessel sewage pump out facilities. 'These grants are about planning for the future and making sure the community has safe access to facilities which help them get out and about on our waterways.'

'NSW Maritime Better Boating grants have received a funding boost this financial year and $5 million will be available each year over the next 5 years,' Mr McLeay said.

The $5.26 million grants total for 2009-10 includes $2.36 million for the full funding of nine Sydney Harbour boat ramp projects and $2.9 million which will support 56 projects across NSW.

Successful applicants will be advised in writing over the coming weeks. Each year submissions for Better Boating grants are assessed by a selection panel that includes NSW Maritime and independent representatives from the Boating Industry Association, the Local Government Association and the Recreational Fishing Association.

www.maritime.nsw.gov.au