Marine and Safety Tasmanian Small Boating Fund (SBF)

Purpose and Program Overview

The primary goal of the Marine and Safety Tasmania Small Boating Fund (MAST) program is to provide financial support for projects that enhance recreational boating facilities and safety initiatives throughout Tasmania. The program is open to applications from the public and facility owners.

The MAST intends to improve boating enjoyment and safety within Tasmanian waters. It supports smaller-scale projects that have a direct impact on recreational boat users. The fund also encourages stakeholders to propose larger projects for consideration in the broader Marine Infrastructure and Safety Plan.

With an annual allocation of $350,000 for these smaller projects, the SBF forms part of MAST’s larger annual expenditure on marine infrastructure and safety. This ongoing investment contributes to the maintenance and development of essential boating infrastructure in Tasmania, benefiting the broader marine recreation and tourism sectors.

Key Grant Details

• Grant Amount or Funding Range: Up to $350,000 is available annually for smaller projects and safety/navigation initiatives. Individual project grant amounts are not explicitly capped, but they are intended for “smaller projects.”
• Application Open and Close Dates: Applications are open year-round and can be submitted at any time.
• Eligible Industries or Business Types: The SBF is open to a wide range of applicants, including organisations, individuals, registered clubs, statutory bodies, and councils. This inclusivity is designed to encourage a diverse range of projects and applicants. Required Co-contributions: Projects must have funding or in-kind support from other sources. The specific percentage is not stated.
• Location/State/Territory Applicability: Tasmania, Australia.

Priority Sectors

This grant prioritises initiatives that improve recreational boating facilities, boating safety, and navigation across Tasmania. It directly supports the marine recreation sector.

Funding Scope

The SBF specifically funds smaller-scale infrastructure and safety projects:

• Minimum and Maximum Amounts per Stream: Individual project funding is for “smaller projects,” with the total annual fund being $350,000. No specific minimum or maximum is stated per project.
• Categories or Streams of Funding: The fund supports various categories, including navigation aids, fendering, small walkways or pontoons, ramp overlays, re-decking walkways, and ramp solar lighting.
• Project Timeline or Eligible Funding Duration: Not specified; projects commence promptly upon approval, pending necessary regulatory approvals.

Eligibility Criteria

Key requirements for applicants and projects include:

• Applicant Type: Organisations, individuals, registered clubs, statutory bodies, and councils are eligible.
• Project Focus: Projects must aim to improve recreational boating facilities and safety initiatives.
• Demand: Projects must demonstrate demand from the boating community.
• Economic Viability: Projects must be economically viable.
• Public Access: Facilities must be accessible to the public.
• Exclusions: Projects for public amenities, such as toilet blocks or car parks, are excluded.
• Accountability: All projects require an owner accountable for ongoing management and maintenance.
• Co-funding: Projects must have funding or in-kind support from other sources.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

The grant supports capital works and safety initiatives related to boating infrastructure. Eligible activities and expenses include:

• Installation or upgrade of navigation aids.
• Installation or repair of fendering.
• Construction of small walkways or pontoons.
• Overlays for boat ramps.
• Re-decking of walkways.
• Installation of solar lighting for boat ramps.
• Costs associated with improving public recreational boating facilities.

Assessment Process

The Marine and Safety Tasmanian Small Boating Fund is a competitive grant program. Applications are assessed internally by a committee of four MAST staff. Evaluation criteria are specified on the application form. Assessment is against specific project merits, including:

• How the project demonstrates demand.
• It’s contribution to improving boating safety and enjoyment.
• The economic viability of the project.
• The availability of funding or in-kind support from other sources.
• Ensuring the facility is publicly accessible.

Grants are awarded to eligible applicants in the order in which applications are received until the annual funding is fully allocated.

Recent Program Updates of MAST

The Small Boating Fund operates on an ongoing basis, accepting applications throughout the year. There are no specific recent updates regarding new funding rounds, increased funding, or updated eligibility rules beyond its continuous availability. The total annual budget for the SBF is $350,000.

Application Tips

• Clearly describe the demand for your proposed project within the boating community.
• Detail how your project will specifically improve boating safety and enjoyment in Tasmania.
• Provide a clear breakdown of estimated costs and demonstrate how other funding sources or in-kind support will contribute to the project.
• Ensure the proposed facility or initiative will be publicly accessible.
• Confirm that an owner is accountable for the ongoing management and maintenance of the project outcome.

Where to Get Help for Marine and Safety Tasmanian Small Boating Fund

If you need professional assistance with your application, consider consulting with a grant specialist, such as Pattens Group. They offer initial assessments to review your business’s eligibility and evaluate how well your project aligns with the grant’s objectives. You can also visit relevant government websites for application templates and further guidance.