The South Australian recreational boating community involves almost 10% of SA's population with almost 5% owning a registered boat. There are approximately 300 public boat launching facilities situated in South Australia's coastal and inland waters.

Since January 1996 a facilities levy has applied when recreational boat owners register their vessels each year.  All of the funds collected from the levy are dedicated to a special Recreational Boating Facilities Fund (the Fund)* aimed at establishing and improving recreational boating facilities in this state's coastal and inland waters.

The South Australian Boating Facility Advisory Committee (SABFAC)* is responsible for the assessment of funding assistance applications, and making recommendations to the Minister for Transport on the allocation of funds towards recreational boating facilities. These recommendations can only be approved by the Minister for Transport.

The vast majority of recreational boating facilities are not under State Government control, but are owned and managed by local councils.

Boat owners who would like improvements made to the recreational facilities they regularly use should approach their local council, which has the expertise to prepare a detailed application to SABFAC for consideration.

Visit our links to all South Australian coastal and River Murray councils; as well as photographs and information on recreational boating facilities Boat Ramp Locations.

* The Fund and SABFAC were established under the Harbors and Navigation Regulations, 1994