Boating Safety & Facilities Program (BSFP)

The Boating Safety and Facilities Program (BSFP) provides grants for boating infrastructure, search and rescue functions, and navigation aids.

The 2020-21 Boating Safety and Facilities Program (BSFP)

This year the BSFP is providing a competitive funding round of $1.5 million for eligible organisations for boating infrastructure projects, search and rescue, and aids to navigation.

The BSFP grant funding complements around $30 million that will be available to deliver boating related facilities, services, safety and education when the Better Boating Fund commences on 1 July 2021. The Better Boating Fund will be allocated in accordance with priorities identified in the Victorian Recreational Boating Strategy – which is currently being developed.

The delivery of BSFP will be overseen by Better Boating Victoria (BBV) on behalf of the Minister for Fishing and Boating.

How do I apply for a BSFP Grant?

The BSFP grant program is open to committees of management, government agencies, local water authorities, waterway managers and dedicated Search & Rescue groups.

Grant-based funding opportunities are available across the following three categories:

Boating infrastructure
Aids to navigation
Search and rescue

You can make multiple applications under one or more categories.

Full details on the funding categories, information on the assessment criteria, specific conditions of funding and what will and will not be funded, can be found within the BSFP Program Guideline document that can be downloaded here. We encourage you to read this thoroughly before applying.

Download PDF here

Timeline:

Applications open on 2 February 2021 and will close on 15 March 2021.

Enquiries and submissions:

Please download and complete the relevant application form and submit your application to: [email protected]

If you have any questions or require support, then you can free call us on: 1800 337 222. Once your application has been lodged, please keep a copy of the Grant Program Guideline document for future reference.

Resources:

If you want to apply for a grant, please download and complete the relevant application form and return it to us at: [email protected]

Boating infrastructure application form

Aids to navigation application form

Marine Search and Rescue application form

Frequently asked questions:

Why is master planning for boating precincts not included this year?

Better Boating Victoria is developing the Victorian Recreational Boating Strategy in consultation with boating stakeholders. The strategy will be developed by July 2021, which will outline priorities for boating facilities. Master planning for facilities and precincts will be identified through the Strategy and funded accordingly in the future.

Who can apply for funding from the program?

The BSFP grant program is open to committees of management, government agencies, local water authorities, waterway managers and dedicated Search & Rescue groups.

How is the BSFP funded?

The BSFP is funded through a portion of vessel registration fees collected by the Government under the Marine Safety Act 2010.

How much money does the Victorian Government collect from vessel registration fees?

In 2019-20, the Government collected $14.395m in revenue from vessel registration fees.

How much is allocated to the BSFP?

$5m was allocated for 2020-21.

How much money is available for grants?

$1.5 million will be made available for this competitive grant round in 2020-21.

How is the remaining $3.5m allocated?

This year the BSFP will be providing a competitive funding round of $1.5 million for eligible organisations to improve the boating experience in Victoria. The remaining $3.5m will allocated to Marine Radio Victoria, strategic boating projects and state-wide boating safety initiatives.

Why is $30 million not being allocated as per the Better Boating Fund?

The Better Boating Fund has been established in legislation but will not come into effect until 1 July 2021.
The equivalent of revenue raised from vessel registration and marine licences will be put into the Better Boating Fund, estimated to be approximately $30 m.
The Better Boating Fund will be allocated in accordance with priorities set out in the Victorian Recreational Boating Strategy, which is currently being developed.
The BSFP competitive grant funding will complement around $30 million available when the Better Boating Fund commences on 1 July 2021

How are BSFP applications assessed through a competitive grant funding round?

Funding Advisory Panels consisting of cross agency groups and industry stakeholders will be established for each funding category.
These panels provide expert advice on key strategic marine safety and waterway management issues and provide input into grant allocation decisions which are recommended to the Minister for Fishing and Boating.

How will recreational boaters and anglers be involved in determining which projects receive BSFP grant funding?

A Ministerial Boating Round Table has been established with representatives from across the boating and angling sector to provide important feedback and facilitate meaningful discussion that will inform the development of the Victorian Boating Strategy.
This Boating Round Table will consider the recommendations for BSFP grants before the Minister for Fishing and Boating elects the final selection of successful applicants.

How can industry stakeholders and the boating public be guaranteed that they are getting the best value for money from the allocated grants?

The public can be assured that the BSFP delivers value. Grants are awarded to applicants who can demonstrate there is a need for the funding and that they have tested the market for quality and price. It is also important that the applicant has shown they have met appropriate project planning and risk management criteria when applying for funding.

What is Better Boating Victoria’s (BBV) role in administering the Boating Safety and Facilities Program?

The Minister for Fishing and Boating is responsible for approving all funding allocations from the BSFP.
Better Boating Victoria has been established to facilitate the Government’s boating commitments, including progressing boating facility upgrades, developing a Victorian Recreational Boating Strategy and improving the boating experience for Victorian boaters. As such, BBV will administer the BSFP.