Unprecedented funding announced for boating facilities on the Gascoyne Coast, Catania
Author: Vincent Catania
Published on: 13-June-2011
Unprecedented funding for the improvement of recreational boating facilities throughout WA has seen more than $8.93 million allocated to projects this year.
Local Member Vincent Catania said “Recreational Fishing and Boating is a big part of life in the North West. Both visitors and locals make use of the facilities. It is great that by partnering with Royalties for Regions the State Government has been able to fund so many valuable projects in the Gascoyne.”
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 $20 million from Royalties for Regions over the next four years.
"Following calls for submissions and the review process 53 projects received $5.37 million 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 $3.56 million 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 $5 million 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.
Projects funded in the Gascoyne include.
Carnarvon Fascine boat ramp - Carnarvon Toilet block, fish cleaning table, landscaping $262 500
Coral Bay boating facility - Coral Bay Toilet block, fish cleaning table, lighting, landscaping, services $337 500.
Navigational Aids in the Exmouth and the Fascine in Carnarvon will be improved with $43500 allocated to the Department of Transport for Carnarvon and $60,000 to Tantabiddi in Exmouth.
The Shire of Shark Bay has also been successful in receiving $60,000 towards the Denham small craft boat ramp and $90,000 towards the Monkey Mia small craft Boat Ramp.
“I am pleased that facilities in all of the coastal towns in the Gascoyne will be upgraded. The construction of the boat ramp in Carnarvon is a milestone and it is great that the project will be complete with the addition of toilets and fish cleaning facilities. The people of Carnarvon has been asking for this facility for many years, and we have a government that is listening“ said Vincent Catania “Coral Bay will finally have a toilet block and fish cleaning facilities adjoining the popular boat ramp there. The funding of these facilities throughout the Gascoyne ensures that our local fishers and tourists have modern facilities for the future.”
Vincent Catania is also chair of the Denham Maritime Facilities Infrastructure Working Group. “The working group met last month and we are working towards a plan for all the maritime facilities in Denham. A community survey will be issued shortly so that the people of Denham can have their say on their facilities. It is great to see this government focusing on upgrading boating facilities in our regional towns.”
Vince Catania added “Tourism is a key industry in our region and these improvements will help to attract more visitors, and encourage them to stay longer, supporting local businesses. ”
Mr Buswell said the RBFS fostered strong partnerships between the State and local governments and other authorities which significantly benefit the boating community in WA.
