Brisbane River Tourism Berthing Assistance Scheme

About the scheme

This scheme assists businesses in the inner reaches of the Brisbane River to potentially fund minor berthing infrastructure improvements.

The scheme provides:

• rebates for berthing fees at private sector riverine infrastructure in the eligible area
• capital co-contribution assistance for minor infrastructure works to expand or improve existing commercial wharf structures.

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

Available funding

We have allocated $1.1 million to support riverine tourism businesses.

Berthing fee rebates

You can get up to a 50% rebate on berthing fees (excluding GST) from 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2024.

The maximum rebate is:

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

Co-contribution assistance for minor infrastructure works

You can get a 50% co-contribution on eligible infrastructure expenses up to $50,000 (excluding GST) per applicant. If your project costs more than $10,000 (excluding GST), you’ll need to show that it offers value for money.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for either assistance, you must:

• own a riverine tourism business with at least 1 riverine tourism vessel berthed in the eligible area from 1 July 2022
• have a valid Australian Business Number (ABN) and be registered for GST as at 1 July 2022
• demonstrate displacement of vessel(s) from current berth(s) in the eligible area between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2024, and relocation to private sector riverine infrastructure
• employ at least 1 full-time equivalent employee as at 1 July 2022
• not be insolvent or have owners or directors who 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 relevant vessel
• for assistance for minor infrastructure works, demonstrate the ability to contribute 50% of the total eligible infrastructure expenses (excluding GST).

Application process

Berthing fee rebates

• Apply before 30 June 2024, or until available funds have been exhausted.
• Apply online through the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority portal.

Co-contribution assistance for minor infrastructure works

• Submit your completed Minor infrastructure grant application form to QRIDA:
  • Post: GPO Box 211, Brisbane  QLD  4001
  • Email: contact_us@qrida.qld.gov.au
  • Fax: (07) 3032 0300

More information

For more details about the scheme, email tourism@dtis.qld.gov.au.