Better Boating Victoria – Recreational Boating Dredging and Access Program

Maximum funding: Up to $110,000 per project
Total program funding: $500,000
Co‑contributions: Encouraged but not mandatory (100% funding available)
Closing date: 12 June 2026

The Recreational Boating Dredging and Access Program supports dredging and access works that improve safety, navigation and public access at publicly accessible Victorian boating facilities. The program aims to enhance recreational boating outcomes while delivering broader social and economic benefits for local communities.

Key Requirements

Projects must relate to publicly accessible boating facilities in Victoria.

Projects must deliver navigational benefits and improved safety or access for powered recreational vessels.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to demonstrate value for money, including co‑funding or in‑kind contributions where possible.

Applicants may submit multiple applications.

Successful applicants must obtain all relevant permits, consents and approvals prior to works commencing.

Projects must be delivered in consultation with Better Boating Victoria to minimise impacts on facility users.

What is eligible for funding?

Dredging works that improve navigational access and safety at managed waterways for powered recreational vessels.

Works that improve access to public boating facilities such as boat ramps, jetties and pontoons.

Pre‑dredging activities required for eligible works, including surveys, reports and plans.

Removal of minor materials such as rubble, siltation and wrack in the vicinity of boat launching facilities.

Eligible expenditure may include project delivery costs directly associated with approved dredging and access works.

Is this grant competitive or entitlement based?

Competitive. Your application will be assessed among other applications by a judging panel.

How can I increase my chances of winning this grant?

By engaging an accredited government grants consultant, such as Avant Group.

Competitive grants often require significant business case development and project analysis to support the application, this may include detailed presentations supporting the project’s merit, projected sales, cost-benefit analysis and more.

As part of your engagement with Avant Group, your account manager will assess the required documents and will provide the following as needed to support your grant submission.

Grant application writeup including a detailed presentation illustrating how the grant funding will contribute to your project, how the funding will contribute to the project’s budget, a project milestone plan, delivery timeline, impact on employment if applicable and a breakdown of the management and leadership team for the project

Industry analysis presentation
Competitor Analysis Presentation
Marketing and Sales Analysis Presentation
3-5 year Cashflow Forecast
3-5 year Balance Sheet Forecast
Cost-Benefit Analysis of Grant Funding
End-to-end grant application including information collating, analysis and application writing
CAPEX (Capital Expenditure) cost-benefit analysis
Stakeholder relations and Risk Mitigation Plans
Any other relevant forecasting that will support your application

How can I get help with my application? Or know if I’m likely to win funding?

Avant Group offers a no-obligation assessment of your eligibility for funding and will assess your likelihood of a successful grant application.

This grant is open

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