Key information
- Status: Opening soon
- Grant amount: Up to $50,000 can be provided for repair and/or maintenance works per asset with up to a maximum of $100,000 per applicant
- Application opens: 21 September 2026
- Application closes: 30 October 2026, 8:00 pm
Program objective
The Boating Infrastructure Maintenance Grants Program aims to improve the condition of existing boating infrastructure by returning it to its optimal operating condition and extending the benefits these assets provide to the community. The program focuses on essential maintenance and repair works that improve safety and accessibility for all boaters by addressing deterioration and wear and tear of public boating facilities. This program seeks to enhance the boating experience through better maintained assets.
This program is administered by Transport for NSW.
Eligibility
Who can apply
Councils, government agencies, community groups, and private sector entities are eligible to apply, provided they own, manage, or operate public boating infrastructure that is accessible to the general boating public. Applicants must either own or have tenure over the assets, or provide clear evidence of landowner support and approval to carry out the proposed maintenance works.
Types of projects funded under this grant
The BIM Program funds maintenance and repair works to keep existing boating infrastructure at optimal operating condition, including boat ramps, recreational jetties and wharves, pontoons, pump-out facilities, slipways, boat ramp parking areas, and some supporting amenities that directly benefit boaters. Examples include removing marine growth from boat ramp surfaces, replacing deteriorating deck planks on jetties, fixing loose fittings like cleats, repairing potholes near boat ramps, and implementing preventative maintenance measures.
The program specifically excludes upgrades or capital improvements, repairs to assets that don't directly benefit boaters (like pedestrian boardwalks or toilet facilities), maintenance of severely deteriorated facilities without ongoing maintenance plans, and emergency repairs from specific weather events like storms or floods.
What your application needs to include
Prepare your application with this checklist
Cost Estimates:
- Quotations
- Past invoices
- Bill of quantities
Maintenance History:
- Documentation of past maintenance activities
- Detailed maintenance plan/program
Ownership Evidence:
- Proof of ownership or tenure of the facility/asset
- Landowner consent (if applicable)
Funding Contribution Evidence:
- Statement of applicant’s contribution (at least 25% of total project cost)
- Documentation for any external funding sources (if applicable)
Supporting Documentation:
- Photos or diagrams of the asset in need of maintenance (if applicable)
- Maps or site plans showing the location of the asset
Submission Format:
- Ensure application is completed in SmartyGrants
- No paper forms or email submissions are accepted
Address the eligibility criteria
Each applicant, as part of an application response, must confirm that they meet the eligibility criteria.
Applicants that do not address the eligibility criteria in full may be excluded from the application process at the department's discretion.
Start the application
How to Apply
- Online only - Must apply through SmartyGrants platform
- No paper forms or email submissions accepted
- Application period: 21 September 2026 to 30 October 2026 (20:00 deadline)
Who Can Apply
- Local councils
- Government agencies
- Community groups
- Private sector organisations
- Must own or manage public boating infrastructure available to general public
- Need an ABN or ACN number
What Projects Qualify
- Maintenance and repairs only (no upgrades or improvements)
- Must be for public boating infrastructure like:
- Boat ramps
- Jetties and wharves for recreational boats
- Pontoons
- Pump-out facilities
- Slipways
Key Documents Required
- Cost estimates - quotes, past invoices, bill of quantities
- Maintenance history and future maintenance plan
- Proof of ownership or landowner permission letter
- Evidence the asset is available for public use
What Gets Assessed
- Direct benefits to boaters (40% of score)
- Your ability to deliver the project (30% of score)
- Cost and value for money (30% of score)
- Applications with higher co-contributions score better
Important Rules
- No emergency repairs - separate program exists for storm/flood damage
- No upgrades - only returning assets to optimal condition
- Must maintain asset after completion
- Monthly progress reports required if successful
- All costs must be proven with invoices and photos
Note: If you are a new applicant to SmartyGrants, you will need to register and create a password. If you are already registered, you can log in with your existing username and password.
Apply now
After the application is submitted
Successful applications will be decided by: Executive Director Maritime
Transport for NSW establishes an Assessment Panel that conducts a two-stage evaluation process:
- Mandatory Criteria Assessment - Applications must first pass all mandatory criteria
- Scoring and Ranking - Eligible applications are then scored against weighted assessment criteria
Applications are scored against three weighted criteria (maximum 30 points total):
- Direct benefits to boaters' (40% weighting, 10 points max)
- Delivery confidence including proposed methodology (30% weighting, 10 points max)
- Cost and affordability including value for money (30% weighting, 10 points max)
Scoring Thresholds:
- Applications scoring less than 4 points on any single criterion may be excluded from further consideration
- Applications are ranked by highest total scores for funding priority
- No partial funding is offered - applications are assessed in their entirety
Round 2 Timeline:
- Applications open: 21 September 2026 at 08:00
- Applications close: 30 October 2026 at 20:00
- Assessment period: November 2026 (Assessment Panel evaluates applications)
- Decision and notification: Estimated December 2026
- Project delivery deadline: 31 December 2027
Additional Process Features
- Transport reserves the right to seek clarification from applicants during assessment
- Independent probity advisors provide guidance throughout the process
- All unallocated funds to be returned to the broader Boating Infrastructure and Dredging Scheme
- The decision-maker's decision is final in all matters
- Any necessary permits or approvals for the proposed works
Support and contact
For more information or to make an enquiry, contact the project team:
Email: MIDO@transport.nsw.gov.au