Step 1: Refer to design standards and guidelines
All new boating facilities must comply with the relevant Australian Standards:
- Maritime structures (AS 4997).
- Marinas (AS 3962).
- Universal access design (AS 1428).
Australian Standards documents are available from SAI Global.
Facilities with trailer parking must be of the appropriate dimensions to allow for a typical vehicle with a boat trailer to manoeuvre and park safely.
Vehicle and turning path design templates are available from Austroads: Publications.
The Department of Transport (DoT) has developed a set of design guidelines to assist Recreational Boating Facilities Scheme grant applicants (available below)
For more information, contact the Recreational Boating Facilities Scheme (RBFS) team at rbfs@transport.wa.gov.au
Step 2: Determine the category for your proposal
Determine which grant category is appropriate for your proposal.
Planning applications
Planning grants are awarded for preliminary work required before construction, such as design drawings, strategic boating plans, detailed cost estimates, level of demand reports or construction approvals.
DoT has developed guidelines for the design of boat launching facilities in WA, below the 25th parallel.
We recommend that you refer to these drawings and design guidelines to assist you with your design considerations.
Tidal and cyclonic conditions for areas north of this require additional design considerations, we encourage you to contact us for more details.
Works applications
Works grants are awarded for the construction of public recreational boating facilities and infrastructure.
We recommend you have detailed engineering drawings and cost estimates before applying for a works grant.
If you do not already have these, consider applying for a planning grant.
Find out more about eligibility and grant conditions.
Step 3: Complete the application form
Introducing the new DoT Grants Portal
Last year, we launched the new DoT Grants Portal—a modern centralised online platform to manage grants. The new portal is now the only way to submit RBFS grant applications.
To apply for an RBFS grant, you must register for an account to access to the portal. For assistance and step-by-step instructions, please refer to the guides available on the Grants and funding page.
Sign in and learn more at DoT Grants.
Tips for a successful grant application
To give an application the best chance of success, we strongly recommend starting as early as possible. Early preparation allows ample time to:
- Thoroughly complete all required sections
- Gather and upload supporting documentation
- Address any unforeseen issues
- Meet submission deadlines without unnecessary stress.
Works Projects: key considerations
If you are applying for a Works Project, it is highly recommended that all necessary approvals are already in place or, at the very least, there is a thorough understanding of:
- What approvals are required
- The process involved
- Associated timeframes and dependencies.
If approvals have not yet been secured, applicants are encouraged to undertake a planning study prior to applying for a Works Project.
To enhance the quality and clarity of your works application, consider the following supporting materials:
- Engineering drawings or concept plans
- Relevant photographs, such as:
- Close-up and aerial photographs of the proposed site, with the exact location clearly marked
- Images of similar infrastructure projects to illustrate the intended outcome or design approach
- Photos of existing infrastructure, with the proposed upgrades or modifications clearly indicated.
These visual materials provide valuable context and help reviewers better understand the project's objectives, site conditions, and potential impact.
Step 4: Submit your application
Email submissions are no longer accepted for RBFS grants. All applications must be submitted exclusively through the Grants Portal before the specified closing date and time.
To ensure your application is complete and eligible, it is essential to review the related attached documents available. These documents contain detailed guidelines, eligibility criteria, required documentation, and step-by-step instructions that are crucial for a successful application. Reviewing them ensures that:
- You meet all the eligibility requirements
- You can determine the appropriate category for your project
- Your application aligns with design standards and guidelines
- You understand the timeline and expectations for the process.
Taking a few minutes to read these documents can save you time and significantly improve your chances of success.
Key reminders
- Your application must be fully completed and include all requested information.
- Use the checklist at the end of the application to ensure that you have uploaded all relevant documents.
- Incomplete or late submissions will not be considered.
- Once submitted, you will receive an automatic confirmation email as proof of submission.
Step 5: Assessment process and result
The applications will be assessed by the RBFS Panel and recommendations provided to the Minister for Transport.
All eligible submissions will be evaluated against a set of weighted assessment criteria, with a strong emphasis on the benefits they provide to the recreational boating public.
Following the assessment, you will be notified of the outcome. Depending on the evaluation, you may be:
- offered full funding;
- offered funding for specific components only; or,
- offered partial funding (a percentage of the amount requested).
If your application is successful, you will be required to sign a legally binding funding agreement, that outlines the terms and conditions of the grant.
Sample funding agreements for both Planning Projects and Works Projects are available for review.
Unsuccessful applications
If unsuccessful, you will be provided with reasons why the application was unsuccessful.
You may apply again in the next round, but please consider the reasons for the application failing.