Unprecedented funding benefits Wheatbelt boating facilities, Grylls
Author: Brendon Grylls
Published on: 13-June-2011
Recreational boating enthusiasts in the Wheatbelt are benefiting from the unprecedented allocation of more than $8.93million in State Government funding to improve boating facilities.
Announcing the latest round of Recreational Boating Facilities Scheme (RBFS) grants today, Transport Minister Troy Buswell and Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls said two projects in the Wheatbelt have shared in more than $1.36million.
The grants included:
· $89,269 for the upgrade of the Lake Towerrinning boat ramp
· $1.275million for additional two-lane boat ramp, parking and universal access at the Jurien Bay boat ramp.
Mr Grylls said RBFS funding had quadrupled this year following the allocation of $20million from the State Government Royalties for Regions program over the next four years.
Mr Buswell said that 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.
“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,” Mr Buswell said.
Mr Grylls said an additional $5million would also be made available each year over the four RBFS funding rounds to help meet increased demand for boating facilities in regional Western Australia.
“Boating is an incredibly popular activity in this State and the RBFS assists by helping authorities provide infrastructure to meet the growing demand,” Mr Grylls said.
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.
The RBFS is managed by the Department of Transport 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.
Since its introduction the RBFS has seen $20.2million allocated to 282 projects throughout WA (rounds one to sixteen).
