Much-needed boating infrastructure and dredging works will be delivered across NSW, with a $44 million funding boost from the NSW Government to improve safety and accessibility for all water users.
The new Boating Infrastructure and Dredging Scheme was announced today by NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen at the Sydney International Boat Show.
The program will allocate $28 million towards public boating amenities over four years and $16 million for dredging at key locations along the NSW coast.
The scheme consists of infrastructure and dredging sub-programs:
- Boating Infrastructure for Communities – this grants program will target improved access for older boaters and boaters with a disability.
- Boating Infrastructure Maintenance – a grants program providing funding for minor repair and maintenance works on boating infrastructure owned by councils and community groups across NSW.
- Boating Infrastructure Emergency Repair Scheme – funding support to repair and replace assets impacted by natural disasters and severe weather events.
- Dredging Program – funding to deliver new dredging projects at priority sites critical to boating and safe waterway navigation, as well as continuing committed dredging projects at Swansea, Myall River, Ettalong and Coffs Harbour.
Registrations of interest for the grants programs will be open later this year, with successful applicants to be announced in 2025.
The funding boost improves upon the previous Boating Now program, following an independent review completed in September 2023, which heard from the boating community on a wide range of matters.
Transport for NSW Maritime, in partnership with Marine Rescue, NSW Police and the Boating Industry Association, have committed to working towards a target of zero deaths and serious injuries on NSW Waterways by 2056.
For more information on the new Boating Infrastructure and Dredging Scheme, visit Boating Infrastructure and Dredging Scheme | Transport for NSW.
Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:
“Our state’s waterways are the most beautiful in the world, and this program will support local communities to plan for, build and maintain waterways infrastructure to keep it safe and accessible for people now and into the future.
“This new scheme re-invests boating fees into public infrastructure upgrades, maintenance and dredging for our waterways.
“As well as benefiting boaters by giving waterway users better access and facilities, these grants will make our harbours and foreshore precincts even more usable and attractive.”
NSW Maritime Executive Director Mark Hutchings said:
“Transport for NSW Maritime has taken this opportunity to improve our grants programs, with a renewed focus on safety and accessibility for boaters of all ages and abilities.
“We’ve listened to the feedback from the boating community, which highlighted the need for continued investment to support maintenance of local boating infrastructure.
“We’re excited for the future of our boating industry, and these new programs will be crucial in keeping NSW waterways in the best shape possible with better infrastructure and more dredging.”