BOATING SAFETY AND FACILITIES GRANTS CLOSING SOON

The Nationals Member for Gippsland Province PETER HALL is urging local groups to meet the 16th August deadline for funding applications under the boating Safety and Facilities Program.

Mr Hall said more than $5million is expected to be allocated to recreational boating safety programs and recreational boating facilities throughout Victoria.

Mr Hall said the program would fund a range of initiatives including boating safety education and training, search and rescue vessels, equipment and training, navigation aids, signage, boating facilities and community harbours.

"The $5m is revenue collected from boat owners through their boat operator licence fees and boat registration fees so I encourage Gippsland boat owners to apply to get some of their money back in the form of better regional boating facilities", Mr Hall said.

"The Gippsland region has some very urgent priorities with boat launching facilities needing upgrading and search and rescue services supported".

"The Gippsland coastal regions and lakes are a mecca for recreational boating and fishing and we need to constantly improve facilities to accommodate the needs of locals and tourists alike," Mr Hall said.

Mr Hall said initiatives funded by the Boating Safety and Facilities Program would play an important role in communities in the Gippsland electorate by making boating safer and more accessible for everyone.

He encouraged boating, fishing, community groups, search and rescue organisations, local waterway authorities and councils to apply for the grant-based funding.

The closing date for applications is August 16, 2006.

Application forms can be obtained from Mr Hall's electorate office at 190 Franklin Street, Traralgon or by phoning 5174 7066. More information is also available at www.marinesafety.vic.gov.au

Media contact: Peter Hall (03) 5174 7066