NSW Boating Infrastructure Emergency Repair Pool (BIERP)

Purpose and Program Overview

The NSW Boating Infrastructure Emergency Repair Pool (BIERP) provides funding to repair or replace boating infrastructure. This infrastructure must be damaged by natural disasters or severe weather events. The program’s goal is to quickly restore public boating facilities. This ensures safe recreational and commercial boating access. It also supports regional economic recovery and community resilience.

The program has a $2 million funding pool. This is part of the larger $44 million Boating Infrastructure and Dredging Scheme. This scheme was announced in August 2024. BIERP targets local councils, government agencies, community groups, and private entities. These organisations must be responsible for public boating infrastructure. By enabling the repair and improvement of damaged facilities, the program strengthens the safety and resilience of NSW waterways. It benefits the public.

This initiative also recognises that boating infrastructure is essential. It can be used for community evacuation routes and regional connectivity. The restoration of these assets is vital for emergency responses and ongoing public use.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount: From $5,000 to $300,000 per application. The funding is available until the $2 million pool is exhausted.
• Application open: 10 March 2025.
• Application close: 30 June 2028 at 6:00 pm, or until the funds are fully allocated, whichever is sooner.
• Eligible entities: Local councils, state or federal government agencies, community groups, and private organisations. These entities must own, operate, or manage public boating infrastructure.
• Co-contributions: Co-contributions are not explicitly required. However, they are encouraged. Funding is awarded based on need and application competitiveness.
• Location/state/territory applicability: New South Wales only.

Priority Sectors

The grant prioritises public boating infrastructure. This includes:

• Jetties, pontoons, and boat ramps for recreational and commercial users.
• Access infrastructure that supports boating safety and connectivity.
• Facilities that have regional importance or are used for emergency evacuations.

Funding Scope

• Funding range: $5,000 to $300,000 per project. The funding is for repair, replacement, or betterment of infrastructure.
• Categories of work:
  • Repair or replacement: Restoring the asset to its working condition before the natural disaster.
  • Betterment: Minor design changes to improve the asset’s resilience against future disasters.
  • Access for repair: Work to provide access for repair, like removing a collapsed tree.
• Project timeline: Projects must start promptly after funding approval. They must also comply with program timelines through to completion.

Grant Amount in Total

The total funding pool is $2 million. This is allocated for the Emergency Repair Pool under the Boating Infrastructure and Dredging Scheme.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be legal entities. They must be responsible for managing public boating infrastructure.
• Applicants must own or have tenure over the land where the project is located. If not, they must provide a letter of support from the landowner.
• Applicants should show they are responsible for the asset’s ongoing maintenance.
• The works must directly relate to infrastructure damaged by a natural disaster or severe weather event.
• Applicants must submit the application within three months of the incident.
• The asset must be available for use by the public.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

The Boating Infrastructure Emergency Repair Pool funds costs directly related to the repair or replacement of damaged infrastructure.

• Physical repairs to restore functionality.
• Replacing assets that are damaged beyond repair.
• Minor design adjustments to improve resilience.
• Removing obstructions that prevent repair access.
• Associated project management and contract administration.
• Quotes for works or past invoices for similar works must be provided.

Assessment Process

Applications are assessed on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis. This is until the funds are exhausted. The assessment focuses on a few key things:

• Project urgency.
• Impact on public safety and access.
• Cost-effectiveness.
• How well the project aligns with program objectives.

Funding is prioritised for assets that are critical for boating access, commercial operations, and regional community safety.

Recent Program Updates

The fund was launched on 10 March 2025. It is part of the $44 million Boating Infrastructure and Dredging Scheme. The program is accepting applications until 30 June 2028 or until the $2 million pool is exhausted. A parallel program, the Boating Infrastructure Maintenance Grants Program, is also available for routine asset upkeep.

Application Tips for Boating Infrastructure Emergency Repair Pool

• Confirm your eligibility and responsibility for the asset before you apply.
• Prepare detailed cost estimates. Include potential betterment design improvements.
• Provide evidence of damage. This includes photos from before and after the event.
• Submit your application within three months of the incident.
• Engage with Transport for NSW if you have questions. Access application materials via the official program website and SmartyGrants portal.
• Submit your application early. This maximises your chance of getting a grant, due to the first-in, first-served model.

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting with grant specialists like Pattens Group. They can help with eligibility and application preparation. More information and application instructions are available on the Transport for NSW and NSW Government websites.