Almost $1 million granted for improvements to recreational boating facilities

15/2/99

Improvements costing almost $1 million are to be made to recreational boating facilities throughout Western Australia under a new State Government funding scheme.

Dollar-for-dollar grants totalling more than $450,000 to 13 projects were announced today by Transport Minister Murray Criddle.

Mr Criddle said the projects would be welcomed by recreational boat owners, especially anglers, and would enhance leisure opportunities, tourism and boating safety.

"The projects are the result of local community involvement and input by community groups through their local authorities," Mr Criddle said.

"The grants, up to $250,000 for each project, are made only to local governments.

"The money for the projects comes directly from boat registration fees, so boat owners can see a tangible return for their money."

Mr Criddle said the biggest grant of $181,000 was for the building of two additional boat ramps at Dampier.

"This is an excellent project which has widespread community support and will provide long term benefits to the boating community in the Shire of Roebourne," Mr Criddle said.

The second largest grant of $115,000 was for improved launching facilities at Entrance Point in Broome. Funding would make access safer, improve parking and lighting, and repair and extend the boat ramp.

The Shire of Mandurah received four grants for:

·      redevelopment of mooring and launching facilities at Mary Street lagoon - $40,000;

·      improved access for Stage 2 of the Dawesville boat ramp - $19,000;

·      Groyne construction and new launching ramp for Stage 3 of the Dawesville boat ramp - $19,000; and -

·      redevelopment of launching facilities at the Nairn Road ramp - $16,000.

The Shire of Augusta-Margaret River also received four grants for:

·      upgrading the Flinders Bay boat ramp including the finger jetty - $12,000;

·      renovating the boat ramp on the Blackwood River at East Augusta - $7,500;

·      improvements to the Gracetown Northpoint Boat Ramp - $10,000; and -

·      planning costs for construction of a two-lane boat ramp with central finger jetty north of the existing Gnarabup Beach ramp - $10,000.

The other projects funded are:

·      Shire of Ashburton - floating jetty in Beadon Creek, Onslow - $12,500; and -

·      Shire of Denham - new boat ramp at Shark Bay - $8,500.

Mr Criddle said submissions for the next round of grants would be called for in late January and would close towards the end of March. There would be two allocations per year.

The applications were assessed by the Recreational Boating Facilities Committee which comprised representatives from Transport, the WA Municipal Association, the WA Tourism Commission and the State Boating Industry Council of WA.

"I expect increased and more widespread demand for grants as local boating communities become more involved in the process," the Minister said.

Media contact: Doug Cunningham 9321 7333