Home> > News>2023 24 recreational boating dredging and access program

2023-24 Recreational Boating Dredging and Access Program

Improving the boating experience includes better and more reliable access from our boating facilities to the water. That’s why we are investing from the 2023-24 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.  

Click here to download an application form

Click here to view the program guidelines.

Applications to the RBADP opened on 2 May 2024 and will close on 30 May 2024.

Eligible organisations comprise of the following local government, state government departments and agencies, committees of management and local waterway authorities. 

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. 

Further information required? 

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

Dredging Grants FAQ 

What is the Recreational Boating Access and Dredging Program? 

The Recreational Boating Access and Dredging Program (RBADP) allocated 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 will the applications be assessed? 

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 

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 will be 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, such as the Boating Safety and Facilities Program. 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? 

The grants are now open and applications will close on 30 May. Click here to download an application form.

For more information, click here to view the program guidelines. 

Return to Latest News

Find out more about our current ramp upgrades

We’re committed to improving the boating experience across Victoria.

View Ramp Upgrades