Funding available to repair damaged public boating infrastructure

The NSW Boating Infrastructure Emergency Repair Pool (BIERP) provides critical funding to repair public boating infrastructure damaged by natural disasters or severe weather events.

Transport for NSW recognises that boating is an important recreational and economic activity. The BIERP funding aims to ensure vital boating facilities are swiftly restored, providing safer boating access and helping economic recovery in affected communities.

Local councils, government agencies, community groups and private sector entities that own, manage or operate public boating infrastructure can apply for grants up to $300,000 for projects that:

• repair or replace infrastructure to its pre-disaster condition, with an emphasis on improving resilience through betterment works
• enhance access to repair sites, such as helping to overcome obstacles like debris removal from damaged areas.

The grants process is designed to be straightforward and accessible for those who need it most, while ensuring that funds are efficiently allocated to the most pressing needs. Transport is encouraging eligible applicants to submit their applications as soon as possible, as they will be dealt with on a ‘first-come, first-served’ model.

All the information needed to apply for BIERP funding and a link to the SmartyGrants portal is available on-line at Boating Infrastructure and Dredging Scheme, Transport for NSW.

The BIERP grants program is part of the broader Boating Infrastructure and Dredging Scheme.

This program provides $2 million in funding which will be available until June 2028 or until the allocation is fully exhausted. The program is run by Transport for NSW and contributes to the Marine Estate Management Strategy’s Safe & Sustainable Boating Initiative.