$5 Million for better boating facilities

by Emma Logan on 8 Jun 2011 Duncan Gay, NSW Minister for Roads and Ports, has called upon local councils, boating clubs and community groups to put up grant applications with NSW Maritime for new and/or improved boating infrastructure projects.

The Minister says that the grant applications were a part of the Government’s $5 million Better Boating Program aimed to improve boating facilities across the State.

'The Better Boating Program supports a range of projects - such as boat ramps, public wharves, jetties, dinghy storage, sewage pump-out facilities and public moorings to provide improved access to our waterways,' said Mr Gay.

'Local councils, boating clubs and community groups can apply for grants under the program.

'Many local communities have already benefited from the program with new or upgraded facilities, improved disability and general access, and modern, practical and safety-oriented designs.

'These grants fund projects benefit the general boating community across NSW, helping to deliver safe and convenient access to our waterways.'

To be eligible, projects need to meet essential criteria such as infrastructure being of a lasting nature, available for use by a broad cross-section of the boating public and supported by Council and the community.

Since 1998 more than $30 million in grants have been provided to support nearly 600 projects across NSW. In 2010 and 2011, the Better Boating Program approved grant applications worth a total of $5.45 million for 70 projects across the state, including:

- 56 projects in regional NSW;
- Five boat ramp projects in Sydney Harbour; and
- Nine water-based projects as part of the Sharing Sydney Harbour Access Program.

Information kits and application forms are available at www.maritime.nsw.gov.au or by emailing grants(at)maritime.nsw.gov.au.

Applications close on Friday, 29 July 2011.