- $2.2 million allocated in Recreational Boating Facilities Scheme (RBFS)
- Extensive boat ramp upgrades at Derby, Mandurah, Port Denison and Leeman
- Moorings and beach anchors funded for Swan Canning Riverpark and Rottnest Island
Recreational skippers throughout Western Australia will benefit from the allocation of more than $2.2 million in State Government grants to improve boating facilities and make them safer for users.
A total of seven projects, spanning from Derby to Bunbury, have secured funding in the latest round of the Recreational Boating Facilities Scheme (RBFS) managed by the Department of Transport (DoT).
The majority of the funding will be spent on boat ramp upgrades with the Shire of Derby-West Kimberley receiving the largest grant of $750,000 for a major upgrade of the main recreational ramp and dedicated rescue ramp at Derby.
The City of Mandurah was allocated $678,750 for work on the Birchley Road boat ramp while grants to the Shire of Irwin ($365,000) and Shire of Coorow ($260,618) will progress projects at Port Denison and Leeman.
At Bunbury, $69,000 has been granted to complete the detailed design and approvals for the ramp upgrade at Pelican Point. In the metropolitan area, five new courtesy moorings will be installed within the Swan Canning Riverpark, and five new beach anchor points will be added at Rottnest Island for skippers to use.
Boating facility managers can apply to DoT for grants of up to 75 per cent of the estimated project cost, with the maximum amount limited to $750,000.
Applications can be made for the planning, construction or upgrade of boat launching ramps, jetties, moorings, and new channels that are directly related to a public boating facility.
Eligible land-based infrastructure at public boating facilities includes trailer parking, toilets, lighting and signage. Visit DoT's website for more information.
The RBFS, which commenced in 1998, is partly funded from boat registration fees.
As stated by Minister Assisting the Transport Minister David Michael:
"With the arrival of summer, this is great news for the more than 100,000 owners of recreational vessels in WA and also for the significantly larger number of people who enjoy getting out on the water.
"The past 18 months have seen major reform of safety equipment requirements and the introduction of stronger drug and alcohol laws for recreational skippers in WA.
"The RBFS further demonstrates the Cook Government's commitment to keeping people safe on the water by supporting local coastal authorities as they manage and improve boating infrastructure.
"The funding allocated to plan and upgrade facilities will have big benefits for users, including improved safety and efficiency that will ease ramp waiting times, especially during peak periods."
Applicant |
Successful projects in Round 29 |
Grant |
Shire of Derby-West Kimberley |
Works project that follows the design/ planning stage (RBFS Round 28) to upgrade the Derby main recreational boat ramp (north) and the Volunteer Marine Rescue boat ramp (south). |
$750,000 |
City of Mandurah |
Upgrade the boat ramp and replace the existing timber jetty with a floating jetty at the Birchley Road boat ramp facility. |
$678,750 |
Shire of Irwin |
Upgrade the existing fixed timber finger jetty at the Port Denison boat ramp to a floating pontoon. |
$365,000 |
Shire of Coorow |
Demolition of the existing Dee Street finger jetty at Leeman and construction of a new finger jetty to increase the overall width and length. |
$260,618 |
City of Bunbury |
Planning study to complete the detailed design, including construction specifications, and obtaining necessary approvals for the proposed Pelican Point boat ramp upgrade. |
$69,000 |
Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions |
Installation of five new courtesy moorings to support vessels of up to 25 metres in length within the Swan Canning Riverpark. |
$68,339 |
Rottnest Island Authority |
Installation of five complimentary beach anchor points at Longreach Bay, Rottnest Island. |
$22,870 |
Total |
$2,214,577 |
