John Bowler

John Bowler

Former Minister for Local Government; Employment Protection; Racing and Gaming; Goldfields-Esperance and Great Southern

    Submissions called for Round 11 of Boating Facilities funding

    22/07/2005 12:00 AM
     
    22/07/05

    The State Government has allocated record funding to a program that has assisted the development of recreational boating facilities throughout the State.

    Calling for funding submissions for Round 11 of the Recreational Boating Facilities Scheme (RBFS), Acting Planning and Infrastructure Minister John Bowler said $1million would be available to local authorities in the next financial year to assist in providing new and improved boating facilities for the recreational sector.

    The announcement follows the State Government’s recent allocation of $805,410 to 25 projects, successful in securing funds in Round 10 of the RBFS.

    The grants ranged from $2,310 for a fish cleaning facility at Cervantes in the Shire of Dandaragan to $200,000 for the construction of a new boat launching facility at Carnarvon.

    Mr Bowler said since its introduction, the RBFS had been very successful in ensuring there were adequate facilities for the growing number of recreational boating enthusiasts in Western Australia.

    “There are now nearly 75,000 registered recreational vessels on the water in WA and that number is increasing by four per cent a year on average,” the Minister said.

    “Through the RBFS, the Government is able to work in partnership with local authorities to meet the growing demand for boating facilities throughout WA.”

    It is estimated that up to 300,000 people are involved in some form of recreational boating activity each year, which represents a significant proportion of the State’s population.

    “The RBFS gives local communities an opportunity to identify and prioritise boating infrastructure projects in their area and seek financial assistance from the State,” Mr Bowler said.

    “As Minister for Local Government and Regional Development I have visited most of the State’s coastal towns, I have seen the benefits of past funding and I recognise the need for the ongoing Government commitment.

    I encourage all eligible organisations to apply for funding in the latest round.”

    Generally, funding is granted to government authorities on a dollar-for-dollar basis for projects that will benefit the boating community.

    Grants are recommended by the RBFS Assessment Committee, comprising representatives from the Department for Planning and Infrastructure, the WA Local Government Association, the WA Tourism Commission, State Boating Council (Recfishwest and Jet Sport West Boating Association), Swan River Trust and FESA, and approved by the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure.

    To date, the RBFS has seen more than $4.5million granted to 127 projects.

    Revenue from boat registrations funds the RBFS, which is administered by the Department for Planning and Infrastructure.

    People wanting a copy of the guidelines for Round 11, application forms or more information about the RBFS, can log on to the department’s web site at:
    http://www.dpi.wa.gov.au/imarine/coastal_fac/rbfs.html or contact the department on (08) 9216 8917.

    Submissions for Round 11 of the RBFS close on Thursday, August 25.

    Minister's office: 9213 6400