• Latest round of Recreational Boating Facilities Scheme grants allocated
• Shire of Jerramungup and City of Rockingham to share more than $1 million
• McGowan Government investing in growing needs of nearly 100,000 recreational vessel owners in WA
• Latest grants support other major boating investments such as Lake Kepwari, Broome Town Beach Jetty and Ocean Reef Marina

More than $1.5 million has been allocated to major upgrades, replacements and planning for future works to improve boating facilities throughout Western Australia.

Round 25 of the Recreational Boating Facilities Scheme (RBFS), managed by the Department of Transport (DoT), saw funding allocated to six projects after a highly competitive selection process involving 24 eligible applications.

The Shire of Jerramungup received the largest allocation with $644,032 awarded to replace the existing boat ramps and finger jetty at the popular Fishery Beach boating facility at Bremer Bay, while the City of Rockingham secured $400,000 to upgrade the trailer parking area at the Point Peron boat launching facility.

Other successful applicants include:

• $332,598 to the Shire of Murray for the installation of four new floating jetties at Wharf Cove, South Yunderup;
• $57,470 to the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions to replace the existing boating jetty with a new jetty at Sandy Beach Reserve, Bassendean;
• $50,000 to the Shire of Ashburton to undertake a planning study for a detailed design and associated tender cost estimate for the replacement boat ramp at the Onslow Community Boating Precinct; and
• $15,900 to the City of Busselton to install five solar lights at the Port Geographe boat launching facility.

Boating facility managers can apply for grants of up to 75 per cent of the estimated project cost, with the maximum amount limited to $750,000.

Recreational vessel registration data for July to September 2020 compared with the same period in 2019 showed a 30 per cent increase in vessel transfers, a 40 per cent increase in new vessel registrations and a four per cent increase in overall vessel registrations in WA.

To support boaties and local jobs, the McGowan Government is also investing in other marine projects to enhance boating and marine infrastructure in WA. These include:

• $126.5 million towards the Ocean Reef Marina development;
• $121.5 million for the Spoilbank Marina in Port Hedland;
• $112 million allocated towards Bunbury Waterfront Development;
• $5.2 million campground and boating facilities at Lake Kepwari in Collie; and
• $3 million to construct the Broome Town Beach Jetty allowing pedestrian, fishing and small boat access.

For more information about the RBFS visit: http://www.transport.wa.gov.au/rbfs

Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:

"As we enjoy summer and more people choose to Wander out Yonder, it's important the growing boating community has access to top quality facilities.

"These projects will upgrade facilities at some of WA's most popular spots including Point Peron and Bremer Bay, supporting community infrastructure and local jobs.

 "The McGowan Government continues to invest in major coastal infrastructure upgrades across our State, recognising our vast coastline and rivers are pillars of WA life.

 "Not only is investing in projects like these enhancing lifestyles across the State, they are also creating jobs in construction and the marine industry.

 "Introduced in 1998, the RBFS creates partnerships between the State Government and coastal managers with funding partly provided by boat registration fees."

Minister's office - 6552 5500

The official Media Release can be found here: Media statement - Boaties rejoice: further $1.5 million to improve WA boating facilities (mediastatements.wa.gov.au)