Recreational Boating Facilities Scheme
The Recreational Boating Facilities Scheme (RBFS) is a State Government grants program which provides improved boating infrastructure through joint funding to eligible authorities.
The RBFS is funded from boat registration fees and offers grants each year to assist in the planning and construction of facilities which benefit recreational boat users in WA. The total amount available for grants varies from year to year in line with the number of boat registrations.
Note: Round 15 will be announced shortly
About the RBFS
The RBFS aims to:
- provide project funding to improve recreational boating access to navigable waters
- enhance the safety of recreational boating infrastructure
- ensure that the environmental impact of recreational boating facilities is minimal
- provide a catalyst for new and upgraded recreational boating infrastructure and
- ensure consultation with recreational boating organisations.
Since 1998, the RBFS has enabled significant improvements to recreational boating facilities. Nearly $9.3 million has been allocated to over 200 projects, from Wyndham in the north to Esperance in the south.
Beyond providing significant funding assistance, receiving a grant from the RBFS provides agencies with other important benefits:
- access to the Department of Transport’s maritime expertise. The Department has specialist facility planners, and maritime and coastal engineers.
- review of your project to ensure consistency with relevant Australian Standards, and
- an easier road when applying to the Department for the necessary licensing approvals.
Who may apply?
Grants are available to:
- local government authorities
- State Government departments and
- statutory authorities directly involved with recreational boating facilities.
People or groups interested in applying for a grant for a project must liaise with one of these agencies to prepare and submit an application. Applications from anyone other than an eligible authority will not be assessed.
It is recommended that authorities consult with their local community to develop ideas for RBFS grant proposals.
What funding assistance is available?
There is usually one funding round each year. Eligible authorities may apply for one or more grants in either of the two categories:
- Works projects - which result in the construction of new or upgraded facilities
- Planning projects - which result in the preparation of feasibility studies, strategic plans, detailed cost estimates, community consultation reports, environmental impact assessments, detailed engineering drawings or similar. Note that a successful Planning application does not guarantee that the works project itself will be funded in a future round.
Grants are paid in arrears, up to maximum of $500,000 as follows:
- For a project costing less than $120,000: up to 75 per cent of the total cost.
- For a project costing $120,000 or more: $90,000 plus up to 50 per cent of that portion of the cost which exceeds $120,000.
- (All amounts are exclusive of GST).
The remainder of the project cost is funded by the applicant, but can include funding from other sources, including from Government departments.
Potentially, some eligible projects may be only part funded, or not funded at all, if the funding for a grant round is limited or there are applications for more funds than are available.
In addition, funding may be offered for certain elements of a project only, or for only a percentage of the funding requested.
The amount of grant monies paid will be reduced on a pro-rata basis for any component of the project which was specified in the application but not delivered.
Types of projects eligible for an RBFS grant
Applications are evaluated according to the benefits they provide to recreational boat users.
Eligible projects include:
- Maritime facilities such as boat launching ramps, jetties, moorings, and channels and breakwaters directly related to a boating facility
- Land-based items located at a boating facility, such as parking areas for boat trailers, lighting, toilets, waste facilities, fish cleaning tables and signage regarding marine safety, fishing and other relevant information
- Infrastructure which enhances access to boating, such as universal access paths
- Other worthwhile projects that meet the RBFS guidelines.
Land-based facilities will only be funded when the associated maritime infrastructure is maintained at an appropriate standard.
Demolition of existing facilities may be funded if associated with the provision of new or upgraded facilities which are eligible.
Applications for combined recreational and commercial facilities may be considered if recreational use is greater than 25 per cent of total use and an eligible authority owns the proposed or existing asset. Grants for these combined facilities may be calculated pro rata on the percentage use by recreational boaters.
Ineligible projects
Funding is not available for the following types of projects and any applications for them will not be assessed:
- General maintenance and maintenance dredging
- Facilities that are private or associated with private clubs
- Facilities which are not used mainly by recreational boat users, such as fishing platforms or toilets serving recreational parks without jetties
- Facilities which are provided mainly for commercial activities, rather than recreational
- Facilities which are not available for use by the recreational boating public or
- Projects which have already commenced construction.
Project assessment
Applications are reviewed by the local Regional Assessment Panel convened by the Department's Regional Manager in each region. They provide an evaluation of each application to the RBFS Panel which is made up of representatives from:
- Department of Transport's Coastal Infrastructure Unit
- RecFishWest
- Western Australian Local Government Association
- Western Australian Tourism Commission
- Swan River Trust
- Fire and Emergency Services Authority.
The RBFS Panel makes a final assessment and forwards recommendations to the Minister for Transport for endorsement.
Design guide drawings
The Department of Transport has developed guidelines to assist in the design of boat launching facilities. You may view and download drawing examples to guide your designs.
- Contact the RBFS Officer if you would like advice in relation to your project.
New facilities must comply with the appropriate Australian Standards, such as maritime structures (AS 4997), marinas (AS 3962) and universal access design (AS 1428). Visit the Australian Standards website if you wish to purchase these.
Parking areas for boat trailers must be of the appropriate dimensions to allow for a typical boat and trailer arrangement. Visit the Austroads website if you wish to purchase Design Vehicle and Turning Path templates to assist with your design process.
Successful Round 14 applications
The last round of RBFS grants allocated grants over $1.7 million to 14 recipients around the state. These grants will assist local government and statutory authorities to provide boating facilities for the growing number of recreational boaters.
Publications
How to apply
Contact us