Brisbane River Tourism Berthing Assistance Scheme

About the program

We're allocating $1.1 million to the Brisbane River Tourism Berthing Assistance Scheme to support Riverine Tourism Businesses who must relocate their vessels from their current berth(s) to an alternative berth(s).

The Scheme may also fund minor berthing infrastructure to better ensure an adequate supply of berths in the inner reaches of the Brisbane River.

Grant details

The Scheme is designed to assist eligible applicants by providing a rebate for the costs of berthing fees incurred at Private Sector Riverine Infrastructure in the Eligible Area.

Capital co-contribution assistance on a matched basis is also available for minor infrastructure works that will expand or improve an existing commercial wharf structure to accommodate displaced businesses (ie. development approvals, permits etc) that would expand or improve an existing commercial wharf structure to accommodate a displaced applicant. See definitions for further detail.

The Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) will administer the Program on behalf of the Department of Tourism and Sport.

Eligibility

An applicant must operate a Riverine Tourism Business that meets all of the following eligibility criteria:

• is the owner of a Riverine Tourism Business which operates at least one riverine tourism vessel berthed in the Eligible Area as at 1 July 2022;
• have a valid Australian Business Number (ABN) as at 1 July 2022;
• be registered for GST as at 1 July 2022;
• demonstrate the businesses’ vessel(s) have been displaced from current berth(s) in the Eligible Area between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2024 and have relocated at least one commercial vessel at Private Sector Riverine Infrastructure (being different berth to the berth noted above);
• employ at least 1 full time equivalent employee as at 1 July 2022;
• not be insolvent or have owners or directors that are an undischarged bankrupt;
• possess a current certificate of operation (if required) from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and/or Maritime Safety Queensland for each vessel to which the application relates; and
• for minor infrastructure grants, demonstrate ability to contribute 50 percent co-contribution.

Apply for funding

Refer to the Brisbane River Tourism Berthing Assistance Scheme Guidelines for more information regarding available funding, eligibility, the application assessment and process and further information.

There are two funding options available:

1. Applications for berthing fees

Rebate assistance available is up to 50% of berthing fees (ex GST) on berthing fees for the period from 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2024 up to a maximum of:

• $37,500 per annum for each operating vessel up to 25m length overall (LOA); or
• $70,000 per annum for each operating vessel over 25m length overall (LOA).

Applications for berthing fee support are open until 30 June 2024, or until available funds have been exhausted.

Eligible applicants are invited to apply online via the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority portal.

2. Applications for co-contribution assistance towards minor infrastructure works

Capital co-contribution assistance available is 50% of eligible infrastructure expenses (ex GST) on infrastructure costs to a maximum of $50,000 (ex GST) on the infrastructure expenses per eligible applicant. Where total project cost exceeds $10,000 (ex GST) the applicant must demonstrate value for money.

To apply, please complete the Minor Infrastructure Grant Application Form and submit to QRIDA at one of the following:

• Post to GPO Box 211, Brisbane QLD 4001
• Email contact_us@qrida.qld.gov.au
• Fax to (07) 3032 0300.

More information

Email tourism@dtis.qld.gov.au for more information.