Improving the boating experience includes better and more reliable access from our boating facilities to the water. That’s why we’ve invested $1 million from the 2022-23 Better Boating Fund into the Recreational Boating Access and Dredging Program (RBADP).
The RBADP will allocate grant funding to eligible organisations for dredging projects to ensure safer navigation at publicly accessible Victorian boating facilities. This will provide better access at local waterways for boaters and improved social and economic outcomes for local communities and businesses.
Applications have now closed. Successful applicants are listed below.
Eligible organisations comprise of local government, state government departments and agencies, committees of management and local waterway authorities.
A Funding Advisory Panel consisting of cross agency groups and industry stakeholders assessed the grant applications received against the funding assessment criteria.
The panel provided input into grant allocation decisions that were then recommended to the Minister for Outdoor Recreation.
Successful applicants were:
| Bellarine Bayside Foreshore Committee of Management | Dredging of boat ramps and harbours managed by Bellarine Bayside | $50,000.00 |
| Tooradin Foreshore Committee of Management | Tooradin Foreshore Boat Ramp Dredging Project | $42,000.00 |
| Capel sound Foreshore Committee of Management Inc | Annual Dredging of Tootgarook boat ramp channel | $71,800.00 |
| Moyne Shire Council | Port of Port Fairy Moyne River Dredging Program | $100,000.00 |
| Mornington Peninsula Shire | Mornington Peninsula Shire Boat Ramps Dredging (Multiple Sites) | $250,000.00 |
| Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action | Scoping study to dredge Mordialloc Creek | $62,000.00 |
| Frankston City Council | LRE Maintenance Dredging at Kananook Creek Mouth, Frankston Foreshore | $120,000.00 |
| City of Melbourne | Dredging of Collins Landing and Yarra’s Edge Marina | $150,000.00 |
Find further information below or please contact the team at Better Boating Victoria – BBV.Communications@vfa.vic.gov.au
What is the Recreational Boating Access and Dredging Program?
The Recreational Boating Access and Dredging Program (RBADP) will allocate grant funding to eligible organisations for dredging projects to ensure safer navigation at publicly accessible Victorian boating facilities.
Who can apply for grant funding from the program?
Eligible organisations include local government, State government departments and agencies, committees of management and local waterway authorities.
How much funding will be made available in grants?
Up to $1.0m (ex GST) will be made available through a competitive grant funding round for the RBADP. The grant amount awarded will not exceed $150,000 (ex GST) in total per project. Multiple applications received from an eligible organisation will be considered.
How will applications be assessed through a competitive grant funding round?
A Funding Advisory Panel consisting of cross agency groups and industry stakeholders will assess the grant applications received against the funding assessment criteria. The panel will provide input into grant allocation decisions that are then recommended to the Minister for Outdoor Recreation.
Is a co-contribution required?
Whilst a co-contribution will be considered favourably, 100% of grant funding will also be made available. Funding contributions from the applicant can include project management, committed funds from other government agencies or sources and in-kind contributions which can be substantiated.
How can industry stakeholders and the boating public be guaranteed that they are getting the best value for money from the allocated dredging grants?
The public can be assured that the RBADP 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 and program planning criteria when applying for funding.
What is Better Boating Victoria’s (BBV) role in administering the RBADP?
BBV is a branch of the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) and is experienced in managing grant funding programs. The Minister for Outdoor Recreation will be responsible for approving all funding allocations from the RBADP.
When do grant applications open and when will announcements be made?
Grant applications opened on 15 February 2023 for the RBADP and closed on 16 March, 2023. It is anticipated that funding announcements will be made in April 2023.
Why is a co-ordinated dredging program for Port Phillip and Western Port public boat ramps being looked at?
The Victorian Recreational Boating Strategy has identified the need for a more coordinated and strategic approach to how maintenance dredging at public boat ramps is managed within Port Phillip and Western Port. Port Phillip and Western Port are the most popular waterways for recreational boating activities in Victoria, with approximately 70% of all Victorian recreational boating users concentrated in these areas.
What is the co-ordinated maintenance dredging program?
The coordinated maintenance dredging program is a centralised program that allows Victoria’s busiest ramps around Port Phillip and Western Port to be prioritised for dredging through a co-ordinated approach. The program will also result in proactive dredging before the peak boating season at selected boat ramps to provide better access for boater. This includes the use different plant and equipment to undertake dredging, such as a Cutter Suction Dredge or an Excavator, or in some cases a combination of both.
We’re committed to improving the boating experience across Victoria.
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