Regional Boat Ramps

In reply to the Hon. J.S. LEE (Deputy Leader of the Opposition) ().11 April 2024).

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries): The Minister for Infrastructure and Transport advises:

The state government has made and continues to make substantial contributions to boat ramps across South Australia.

Section 90A of the Harbors and Navigation Act 1993 establishes the Facilities Fund, which is financed through levies on vessel registration. The fund is to be applied for the purpose of establishing, maintaining and improving facilities for use in connection with vessels.

The Facilities Fund generates approximately $3.2 million per annum, with approximately $2 million allocated for critical safety infrastructure including aids to navigation and marine radio. This leaves approximately $1.2 million to be applied to boat ramp and other boating facilities.

As at February 29 2024, the fund had a cash balance of approximately $10.2 million, with an uncommitted balance of $3.8 million.

The South Australian Boating Facility Advisory Committee (SABFAC) is established in accordance with regulation 216 of the Harbors and Navigation Regulations 2009. The responsibility of SABFAC is to advise the minister on any variation of the amounts of the facilities levy and application of the Facilities Fund.

SABFAC receives and assesses applications for funding and makes a recommendation for expenditure from the Facilities Fund for boating projects to the minister for his consideration. The current Facilities Fund contribution is generally up to a maximum of 80 per cent of the estimated total project costs.

The following is a list of completed/acquitted regional boating projects, since 2020, funded through the Facilities Fund:

The following is a list of the regional boat ramp projects that are currently works in progress, with funding from the Facilities Fund: