WA's new boating grants

THE WA Government has promised improved facilities at 22 locations from a fresh round of grants provided by the Recreational Boating Facilities Scheme (RBFS).

Transport Minister Simon O'Brien said $1.87 million was allocated, which followed confirmation in the recent State Budget of a significant boost to the scheme by at least $25 million in the next four years.

The RBFS is managed by the Department of Transport and provides funding for new or improved facilities for recreational boat users.

Four projects in the metropolitan area received more than $877,000 in funding, including $400,000 to replace and widen the access road at Woodman Point.

"The South-West received the biggest allocation of the regional areas with more than $180,000 in grants, including $114,100 for improvements to the parking and launching ramp access at Gnarabup in the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River,” O’Brien said.

“Boating is an incredibly popular activity in Western Australia and the RBFS assists by helping authorities provide infrastructure to meet the growing demand."

The Minister said the department had received 31 submissions requesting $4.4million in grants from Round 15, highlighting the demand for facilities and the scheme’s merit.

O’Brien said the scheme fostered strong State and local government partnerships with other authorities for the benefit of the WA boating community.

Since its introduction in 1999, the RBFS had allocated $11.1million to 225 projects.