2024-25 Recreational Boating Dredging and Access Program

The Victorian Government is committed to making it easier and more accessible for boaters to enjoy a day out on the water. That’s why recreational boating licence and registration fees are being reinvested into the 2024-25 Recreational Boating Dredging and Access Program.

Grants of up to $110,000 will support organisations that manage public boat ramps across Victoria to dredge existing facilities so that boating is accessible at a range of tides.

Last year’s program saw seven organisations receive funding for dredging projects to improve access across coastal Victoria from Geelong and Port Phillip all the way across to Mallacoota in the state’s far east.

Projects may include dredging work to improve access at boat ramps or via channels, pre-dredging surveys and long-to-medium-term planning to address ongoing dredging needs. Full funding guidelines can be accessed via this link.

Applications are now open to eligible organisations for the latest round of grants. This is made possible thanks to the reinvestment of boating licence and vessel registration fees through the Better Boating Fund. In the 2024-25 round of grants, a total of $500,000 in funding is available. Applications close at COB on Monday 14 July 2025.

Click here to apply for a grant via our SmartyGrants portal.

The grants will be overseen by the Victorian Fisheries Authority’s Better Boating division, which is progressing the state’s biggest ever boat ramp construction program and ensuring launching and parking remains free at all of Victoria’s public ramps.

A Funding Advisory Panel consisting of government and industry stakeholders will assess the grant applications received against the funding assessment criteria and provide recommendations to the Minister for Outdoor Recreation.

Eligible organisations consist of local councils, committees of management, catchment management authorities, water corporations and state government bodies. An eligible organisation may submit multiple applications for consideration.

Click here to apply for a grant via our SmartyGrants portal.

Full funding guidelines can be accessed via this link.

Applications close at 5pm on Monday 14th July 2025.

For further information please contact the team at Better Boating Victoria – BBV.Communications@vfa.vic.gov.au