Unprecedented funding announced for boating facilities, Grylls
Author: Brendon Grylls
Published on: 13-June-2011
Unprecedented funding for the improvement of recreational boating facilities throughout Western Australia has seen more than $8.93million allocated to projects this year.
Announcing the latest round of Recreational Boating Facilities Scheme (RBFS) grants today, Transport Minister Troy Buswell and Regional Development Minister
Brendon Grylls said funding, traditionally sourced from recreational boat registrations, had quadrupled this year following the allocation of $20million from the State Government Royalties for Regions program over the next four years.
“Following calls for submissions and the review process, 53 projects received $5.37million in funding to be allocated over the next two years. The number of grants is more than double the 22 projects funded last year,” Mr Buswell said.
“Additionally, through the RBFS process, State Cabinet endorsed priority allocations totalling $3.56million in the current financial year to ensure early benefits for the boating community. This funding was for onshore facilities at the Albany Waterfront development, Coral Bay and Carnarvon, and boat ramps and trailer parking at
Jurien Bay.”
The RBFS is managed by the Department of Transport (DoT) and provides up to
75 per cent of funding for new or improved facilities which benefit recreational boat users. Eligible authorities may also apply for planning grants which result in detailed plans, cost estimates, approvals or similar for recreational boating facilities.
Mr Grylls said an additional $5million of Royalties for Regions funds would be made available each year over the four RBFS funding rounds to help meet increased demand for boating facilities in regional WA.
“The South-West received the largest allocation of the regional areas with more than $2.1million in grants, including $600,000 to upgrade and expand the boat ramps and extend parking at Newtown Beach in Busselton,” Mr Grylls said.
“Boating is an incredibly popular activity in this State and the RBFS assists by helping authorities provide infrastructure to meet the growing demand.”
Mr Buswell said the RBFS fostered strong partnerships between the State and local governments and other authorities which significantly benefited the boating community in WA.
Since its introduction the RBFS has seen $20.2million allocated to 282 projects throughout WA (rounds one to sixteen).
Further information about the RBFS is available at www.transport.wa.gov.au/rbfs or by contacting the RBFS project officer on 9216 8917.
