Sharing Sydney Harbour Access Program is a NSW government initiative to improve public access to and enhance the recreational enjoyment of Sydney Harbour and its tributaries for the people of Sydney and its visitors.
The Program contributes to the priorities of the State Plan, including Priority E8: "More people using parks, sporting and recreational facilities, and participating in the arts and cultural activity." Commitments under Priority E8 include "providing recreational boating infrastructure through the Maritime Infrastructure Program and Sharing Sydney Harbour Access Program".
The Sharing Sydney Harbour Access Program was launched in February 2003 to assist with implementing the Sharing Sydney Harbour Access Plan [
2.4 MB]. The NSW Government announced in 2007 that the Program will be extended over five years to provide $6.75 million until 2013.
Each year up to $1.35 million is distributed on a dollar-for-dollar basis for specific capital works projects such as walking tracks, cycle paths, new public waterfront parks, jetties, pontoons and boat launching facilities. With matching funds from applicants, the program is expected to lead to at least $30 million worth of access improvements.
Grant applications
Applications for the 2009 funding round are open from Monday 2 March and will be accepted until 5.00 p.m. Friday 1 May 2009.
Grant Application Information Kit 2009 – provides up-to-date information on the application process, grant criteria and program objectives and should be read prior to completing the Grant Application Form.
Grant Application Form 2009 – to print out and complete offline.
Grant Application Form 2009 
– to complete and submit electronically.
If you would like a hard copy of the kit and form sent to you, email your request and details to harbour@planning.nsw.gov.au or phone (02) 9228 6256.
Grant applications can be sent to:
Sharing Sydney Harbour Access Program
Management Team
NSW Department of Planning
GPO Box 39 Sydney NSW 2001
Applications may be submitted on CD-Rom with an original signed hard copy. Please contact the Management Team if you wish to email your submission.
Who can apply
The 26 local councils in the Sydney Harbour catchment and registered recreational organisations, such as boating clubs, are all eligible applicants for grant funding. Recreational organisations wanting to apply must have the written support of the local council. While priority will be given to local councils and clubs, State agencies may also be eligible for funding of 'strategic projects'.
Previously funded projects
Since 2003, the Access Program has committed, with matched funding, over $8 million to 138 projects across 20 council areas to deliver:
- 32 kilometres of new or improved walking/cycling paths
- public domain improvements at 43 locations
- new or improved small boat access facilities at 37 locations
- dinghy storage facilities at 30 locations
- 17 new or improved pick-up and set-down wharves and jetties.
View more information about the projects funded in: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 2007, 2008
View before and after photos showing improvements to Sydney Harbour public access since the program began.
Enquiries
Please phone the Sharing Sydney Harbour Access Program Coordinator on (02) 9228 6256 or email harbour@planning.nsw.gov.au.