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 “increase participation in recreational and sporting activities” and “promote out parks”.
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
Grant applications for the 2010 funding round are open from Monday 28 February 2011. Applications will be accepted until 5:00 pm, Friday 29 April 2011.
The Grant Application Information Kit [ 1.2 MB] 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 [ and 
].
Grant applications can be sent to:
Sharing Sydney Harbour Access Program
Management Team
Department of Planning
GPO Box 39
SYDNEY NSW 2001
Applications should be submitted on CD and be accompanied with an original signed hard copy. Please contact the Sharing Sydney Harbour Access Program Coordinatorif 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 $10.5 million to 174 projects across 20 council areas to deliver:
- 42 kilometres of new or improved walking/cycling paths
- public domain improvements at 50 locations
- new or improved small boat access facilities at 43 locations
- dinghy storage facilities at 33 locations
- 26 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, 2009, 2010 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.