NSW Boating Now Program (BIERP)

Purpose and Program Overview

The NSW Boating Now Program is a long‑running Transport for NSW initiative that reinvests boating fees into projects that improve public boating infrastructure, access and safety across New South Wales waterways. Within this framework, the Boating Infrastructure Emergency Repair Pool (BIERP) provides targeted grants to accelerate the repair or replacement of damaged public boating assets following natural disasters and severe weather events so they can be returned to safe public use. The program recognises that public boating facilities support both recreational and commercial users while also providing critical access and, in some locations, evacuation points for regional communities.

BIERP forms part of the $44 million Boating Infrastructure and Dredging Scheme and has a total funding pool of $2 million available until approximately June 2028 or until fully allocated. By restoring key ramps, jetties, pontoons and related infrastructure, the program supports local councils and other asset owners to maintain safe, reliable access to NSW waterways, helping to sustain local boating activity and support economic and social recovery in disaster‑affected communities.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount or funding range: From approximately $5,000 up to around $300,000 per project, within the $2 million total pool, or until funds are fully exhausted.
• Application dates: Open on an ongoing or “until expended” basis, with funding available until about June 2028 or until the $2 million allocation is fully committed.
• Eligible industries or business types: Public asset owners such as local councils and similar entities responsible for public boating infrastructure that serves recreational and commercial boating users.
• Required co‑contributions: Applicants are generally expected to contribute funding or in‑kind resources; specific co‑contribution levels may be confirmed in the official program guidelines.​
• Location applicability: Projects must be located in New South Wales on public boating infrastructure assets that are accessible to the general boating public.​

Priority Sectors

• The program prioritises projects that support recreational and commercial boating, including facilities that provide general boating public access and, where relevant, evacuation or emergency access points.
• The grant is otherwise open to a broad range of sectors, provided the applicant is responsible for eligible public boating infrastructure in NSW.

Funding Scope

• Minimum and maximum per project: Indicative project funding from about $5,000 up to approximately $300,000, subject to available funds within the $2 million pool.
• Funding structure: Single funding stream focused on emergency repair or replacement of existing public boating infrastructure that has been damaged by natural disasters or severe weather.
• Eligible funding duration: Funding is available until around June 2028 or until the allocation is exhausted; projects are expected to be delivered within program timeframes set out in the grant agreement.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicant must be the owner of, or have tenure and management responsibility for, the damaged public boating asset (for example, a local council or similar authority).
• The asset must be publicly accessible and provide direct benefits to the general boating public, including recreational boaters and, where applicable, commercial operators.​
• The project must relate to damage caused by natural disasters or severe weather events, with sufficient evidence of impact and the need for emergency repair or replacement.
• The project must be located on land and waters that the applicant owns or has tenure over, or the applicant must provide documented landowner consent (such as letters of support or approvals).​
• Applicants must comply with BIERP program guidelines, including technical, environmental and safety requirements, and maintain responsibility for ongoing management and maintenance of the infrastructure.
• Applicants are expected to hold appropriate insurances and meet relevant legislative, environmental and planning approvals as specified in the official guidelines.​

Eligible Activities and Expenses

• Repair or replacement of damaged public boat ramps, pontoons, wharves and jetties to restore safe boating access.
• Restoration of associated access facilities such as gangways, walkways, kayak launches and dinghy storage structures where they form part of the boating access asset.
• Repair of supporting infrastructure, including fendering, piles, pontoons, pump‑out facilities and related services where damage has occurred due to eligible disaster events.
• Essential works, investigations and planning tasks directly linked to the repair or reinstatement of the damaged asset, including detailed plans of works and construction methodology.​

Assessment Process

• The program operates as a competitive, merit‑based grants program within the available $2 million pool rather than as an automatic entitlement.
• Applications are assessed against key criteria that typically include project need and urgency (disaster damage and safety risks), alignment with program objectives, value for money and deliverability within the program timeframe.
• Assessors consider the extent of public benefit, including improved safety, restored access for recreational and commercial boating, and the role of the asset in supporting local communities and evacuation routes.

Recent Program Updates

• BIERP has been established as a sub‑program under the $44 million Boating Infrastructure and Dredging Scheme announced in August 2024, which consolidates and expands NSW boating infrastructure funding.
• Communications released in 2025 confirm that $2 million is available for emergency repair projects until June 2028 or until the pool is fully allocated, providing a medium‑term window for eligible disaster‑related repairs.
• Program information and application access have been integrated into the broader Boating Infrastructure and Dredging Scheme and Marine Estate Management Strategy context, highlighting links to safe and sustainable boating objectives.

Application Tips

• Review the official BIERP guidelines carefully to confirm that the damaged asset, location, ownership and disaster‑related impacts meet all eligibility requirements before investing time in a full submission.​
• Compile key documentation early, including evidence of damage (photos, reports), land tenure or landowner consent, estimates or quotes for repair works and any required planning or environmental approvals.
• Clearly articulate how the project will restore safe public access, support both recreational and commercial boaters and contribute to community resilience or evacuation capacity where relevant.
• Present a realistic works schedule, risk assessment and budget that demonstrate the applicant’s capability to deliver the project within program timeframes and provide good value for money, including any co‑contributions.
• Where possible, align the proposal with NSW Government priorities on safe, sustainable and accessible boating infrastructure and reference local or regional strategies that support the project.

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.