The Recreational Boating Facilities Scheme (RBFS) offers grants for planning and works.
Being awarded a grant for one stage of your project does not guarantee that later stages will also receive funding.
Planning grants
Planning grants are available for the preliminary work required before construction can commence, such as:
- feasibility studies
- site investigations
- strategic plans
- detailed cost estimates
- community consultation
- environmental impact assessment
- detailed engineering drawings.
The minimum planning grant $10,000 (excluding GST) and the maximum grant limit is $750,000 (excluding GST).
Note: A successful planning grant application does not guarantee that the construction of the project will be awarded funding in future rounds.
Works grants
Works grants are available for the construction of public recreational boating facilities.
The minimum works grant $15,000 (excluding GST) and the maximum grant limit is $750,000 (excluding GST).
Staging works projects
You may want to split large projects into several stages (such as, ramp, jetty and parking) and apply for grants in successive funding rounds.
The amount of funding applied for is an important factor in assessing a proposal and an application for a large amount may be denied if there are limited funds available.
Each stage must complete a component of the overall project.
Note: Being awarded a grant for one stage of the works does not guarantee later stages will be awarded funding.
Funding
Funding is available for up to 75% of the total cost for all projects.
The remainder of the project cost is funded by the applicant, but can include:
- funding from other sources, including government agencies, sponsorships and donations
- in-kind contributions such as donated materials, community labour and loan of machinery.
Internal administration and project management costs (staff salaries) are not considered labour and should not be included as part of your funding contribution.
Your application must clearly outline cost estimates and how you calculated the values.
Who can apply?
RBFS grants are available to local government authorities, State Government departments and statutory authorities responsible for recreational boating facilities.
Marina owners, developers, managers and operators of private boating facilities or those associated with private clubs are not eligible to apply.
Volunteer marine rescue groups, community groups or individuals seeking an RBFS grant will need to liaise with an eligible authority to prepare and submit an application.
The facility must be licensed to an eligible authority and available to the recreational boating public.
Eligible authorities are encouraged to consult with their local community to develop ideas for RBFS grant proposals.
Eligible projects
Projects eligible to apply for RBFS funding include new or upgraded:
- maritime infrastructure, such as ramps, jetties, moorings, breakwaters, navigation aids and new channels
- land-based infrastructure, such as trailer parking, toilets, waste facilities, fish cleaning tables and signage for marine safety, fishing and other boating information
- accessibility infrastructure, such as universal access paths.
Land-based facilities will only be funded if the associated maritime infrastructure is well maintained and has a valid jetty licence.
Applicants must not have commenced a project at the time of advice of grant approval.
Demolition of existing boating facilities may be funded if associated with the construction or upgrading works.
Ineligible projects
The following projects are not eligible to apply:
- facilities not used primarily by recreational boat users, such as a fishing platform or toilet in a park without a boat ramp or jetty
- facilities that are mostly used by commercial vessels
- facilities which are not available to the recreational boating public
- general maintenance or maintenance dredging.
- private facilities or those associated with private clubs.
- projects that have already commenced or are complete.
Combined commercial and recreational boating facilities
A combined recreational and commercial facility may be eligible to apply if:
- at least 25% of total use of the facility is for recreational purposes
- an eligible authority will own the asset.
If awarded, grants may be calculated pro rata based on the percentage of use by recreational boaters.
Find examples of past successful grant applications in the Recreational Boating Facilities Scheme guidelines document below.