Up to $150,000 to improve the safety, navigation, and accessibility of public boating facilities across Victoria and improve social and economic outcomes for local communities.
Current status of program
CLOSED
To register your interest in future rounds or discuss alternative grant opportunities please contact us here.
On this page you will find
What is the Recreational Boating Access and Dredging Program (RBADP)?
The Recreational Boating Access and Dredging Program (RBADP) is dedicated to providing safer and more reliable access from boating facilities to waterways. It aims to improve social and economic outcomes for local communities by ensuring better access at local waterways for boaters.
RBADP level of support
- Maximum Funding Amount: Up to $150,000 per project.
- Funding Availability: Both fully funded and co-contributed projects are eligible. Co-contributions can be in-kind or from other funding sources and are viewed favorably, though not mandatory.
RBADP important dates
- This program is currently closed
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
RBADP objectives
The program specifically supports dredging projects that:
- Deliver navigational benefits and improve safety and access for powered recreational vessels.
- Enhance access to public facilities like boat ramps, jetties, and pontoons.
- Include pre-dredging activities such as surveys, reports, and plans.
Projects eligible for RBADP support
Projects must demonstrate a clear need for dredging, outline the safety benefits, and include detailed project planning and community engagement.
The following projects or project elements will not be funded:
- projects in relation to boating facilities not open to use by the general public;
- dredging or pre-dredging works at unmanaged waterways;
- projects that provide direct support for non-powered boating use (such as land-based fishing, kayak/rowing access);
- contingency costs;
- maintenance and other ongoing costs;
- insurances required in relation to the project; and
- capital dredging works.
See the guidelines for full details of projects eligible for RBADP support.
Other RBADP important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for RBADP support
Organisations eligible to apply include local governments, state government departments and agencies, committees of management, and local waterway authorities.
See the guidelines for full details of organisations eligible for RBADP support.
RBADP assessment criteria
Applications for grants will be assessed against the following assessment criteria.
- The Applicant is an eligible organisation.
- All relevant planning and environmental approvals have been obtained, or are currently under application. Note: applications without permits will be considered. However, the Applicant will need to demonstrate that an appropriate level of planning has already been undertaken at the time the application has been submitted.
- Expected project costs have been appropriately substantiated.
- The safety outcomes and benefits to be derived from the funding have been clearly identified.
- The demonstrated need and demand for dredging at the Facility (including outlining the contribution the project will make to recreational boating in Victoria, the region and the immediate area).
- The evidence and detail of the level of project planning undertaken and status of any required approvals.
- The details any community/stakeholder engagement with the proposed project.
- Where relevant, demonstrated satisfactory performance on projects for which previous funding was awarded to the Applicant under previous boating programs.
- The details of where and how the Applicant will contribute to the total project cost, if applicable. Co-contribution will be considered favourably.
- Whether the Applicant is in receipt of existing boating funding revenue sources, such as the Victorian Government’s Free Boat Launching and Parking initiative.
- Consideration will be given to applicants that have been impacted by natural disaster.
Applications which meet all assessment criteria may not be recommended to the Minister for Outdoor Recreation for approval, in the event other applications demonstrate increased value for money or better safety, navigation and waterway access outcomes.
See the guidelines for full details of the assessment criteria.
How do I get the RBADP?
Applicants must:
- Read and understand the guidelines.
- Ensure eligibility for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria will not be considered.
- Deliver the project as outlined in the application.
- Provide complete information requirements.
Information to prepare for the RBADP application
Ensure you have:
- Detailed project descriptions.
- Substantiated cost estimates.
- All necessary permits and approvals documented.
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the RBADP
Interested organisations can submit their applications online through the Better Boating Victoria website at betterboating.vic.gov.au.
Register your interest here with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
RBADP resources
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