- Premier
The Andrews Labor Government is making it cheaper and easier for more Victorian families to get out on the water by abolishing parking and launching fees at public boat ramps.
Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Fishing and Boating Jaala Pulford visited the Warmies boat ramp at Newport today to announce that parking and launching at boat ramps across Hobsons Bay City Council is now free.
The costs of parking and launch fees can make a day on the bay more expensive than it should be. That's why the Labor Government promised to remove launching and parking fees at all public boat ramps across the state.
The abolition of fees at the Warmies boat ramp is the first step in delivering on this major election commitment and will save families up to $315 a year on an annual parking permit.
Boat ramps at Port Welshpool, Portland, Corinella, Lake Nagambie and Torquay are also now free, as well as four ramps managed by Bass Coast Shire Council. Every public boat ramp across Victoria will be free by Spring - ready for the busy summer boating period.
Better Boating Victoria was established earlier this year to oversee the introduction of free parking and launching, and deliver upgrades and maintenance at Mordialloc, Queenscliff, Point Richards, Hastings, Rhyll and Cowes Jetty.
It's all part of the Labor Government's unprecedented investment in boating and fishing that will ensure every dollar of licence and registration revenue goes towards improving boating facilities and safety.
Better Boating Victoria is building on the success of the Labor Government's record investment in the Target One Million program which includes a huge boost to fish stocking, a new native fish hatchery and better planning for fishing tourism.
For more information visit transport.vic.gov.au/betterboating.
As stated by Premier of Victoria Daniel Andrews
"These fees cost Victorian families hundreds of dollars a year - we said we'd abolish them and we're delivering."
"Free public boat ramps will make it cheaper and easier to get out on the water and enjoy everything our bays, lakes and rivers have to offer."
As noted by the Minister for Fishing and Boating Jaala Pulford
"We've listened to boaters and are delivering on our commitment to scrap parking and launching fees - making it cheaper and easier more for more Victorians to get involved in recreational boating and fishing."
As noted by Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne
"Making it free to park and launch a boat at Hobsons Bay will encourage more people to get out and enjoy the bay and provide a boost to the local economy."
