Boating Infrastructure Maintenance (BIM) Program

Purpose and Program Overview

The Boating Infrastructure Maintenance (BIM) Grants Program, administered by Transport for NSW, aims to enhance the condition of existing public boating infrastructure across New South Wales. The program focuses on essential maintenance and repair works to improve the safety, accessibility, and functionality of assets like boat ramps, jetties, and pontoons. By addressing deterioration and wear, it ensures these facilities remain in optimal operating condition, benefiting both recreational and commercial boaters.

The BIM grants program supports increased boating participation, tourism growth, and improved public amenity by maintaining infrastructure critical to harbours and foreshore precincts. While the total funding pool is not specified, the program provides targeted financial support to councils, government agencies, community groups, and private sector entities. It plays a vital role in sustaining NSW’s maritime industry and enhancing community access to waterways.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount or funding range: Up to $50,000 per asset for repair/maintenance works, with a maximum of $100,000 per applicant.
• Application open and close dates: Opened 15 August 2025; closes 26 September 2025, 8:00 pm.
• Eligible industries or business types: Councils, government agencies, community groups, and private sector entities that own, manage, or operate public boating infrastructure.
• Required co-contributions: Not explicitly required, but encouraged to strengthen applications.
• Location/state/territory applicability: New South Wales only.

Priority Sectors

Boating Infrastructure Maintenance prioritises public boating infrastructure, including boat ramps, recreational jetties and wharves, pontoons, pump-out facilities, slipways, and boat ramp parking areas that directly benefit boaters.

Funding Scope

• Minimum and maximum amounts per stream: $50,000 per asset, up to $100,000 per applicant.
• Categories or streams of funding: Maintenance and repair works, including removing marine growth from boat ramps, replacing deteriorating jetty deck planks, fixing loose fittings like cleats, repairing potholes near boat ramps, and preventative maintenance measures.
• Project timeline or eligible funding duration: Not specified, but projects must align with program objectives and be completed per funding agreements.

Eligibility Criteria

• Business structure or size: Councils, government agencies, not-for-profit community groups, and private sector organisations.
• Registered business location: Must operate in New South Wales.
• Minimum/maximum turnover: Not specified.
• Insurance or compliance obligations: Applicants must own or have tenure over assets or provide evidence of landowner approval for proposed works.
• ABN/GST status: Not explicitly stated, but applicants typically require an ABN for grant applications in Australia.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

• Maintenance and repair of boat ramps (e.g., removing marine growth).
• Repairing or replacing deteriorating jetty or wharf components (e.g., deck planks, cleats).
• Fixing boat ramp parking areas (e.g., repairing potholes).
• Preventative maintenance to extend asset life.
• Supporting amenities that directly benefit boaters (specific examples not listed).

Assessment Process

• Competitive or entitlement-based: Competitive, based on application quality and alignment with program goals.
• Key evaluation criteria:
  • Project merit in improving safety and accessibility.
  • Alignment with program objectives to enhance boating infrastructure.
  • Value for money and community benefit.

Recent Program Updates

• New funding round opened on 15 August 2025.
• The program is part of the broader $44 million Boating Infrastructure and Dredging Scheme, announced in August 2024.
• Replaces the former Boating Asset Maintenance Grants Program, with a renewed focus on maintaining existing infrastructure.

Application Tips

• Verify eligibility and asset ownership or tenure before applying.
• Prepare detailed cost estimates and project plans to demonstrate feasibility.
• Align proposals with program goals, emphasising safety, accessibility, and community benefits.
• Ensure all required documents, such as landowner approvals, are included in the application.
• Submit applications through the Transport for NSW SmartyGrants portal before the deadline.

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting with a professional grant specialist like Pattens Group for an initial assessment of your business’s eligibility and project alignment with the grant’s objectives. For application templates and further guidance, visit the NSW Government’s Boating Infrastructure Maintenance page.