The Allan Labor Government is helping Victorians get out and enjoy the great outdoors with more major boat ramp upgrades and a brand-new launching point for recreational boaters.
Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos recently visited the Werribee South boat ramp to announce the latest round of Better Boating Fund will invest $36.3 million in major infrastructure upgrades across Victoria, as well as significant ramp maintenance and dredging to optimise the functionality of ramps.
As part of proposed upgrades at the bustling Werribee South facility, which services growing demand from boaters in Melbourne's booming west, an extra ramp lane and accessible pontoon will be added while the car park and entry points will be reconfigured to reduce congestion and the need to queue back onto Beach Road.
Parking and access lanes will be redesigned and resurfaced to improve traffic flow and create a small number of additional spaces for cars with boat trailers. The $2.2 million project will also improve boat preparation areas so skippers can rig their vessels out of the way.
In addition to improvements at Werribee, the Better Boating Fund will support construction of major facility upgrades at Geelong's Limeburners Point, Schnapper Point at Mornington, Tooradin and Port Welshpool.
A new ramp will also be built at Lake Eildon's Howqua Inlet, featuring a concrete ramp and asphalt parking area, to provide another option for launching on the eastern side of the lake.
Ramp managers will be able to undertake critical dredging and ramp maintenance through a pair of competitive grants programs worth a combined $1 million, while planning will begin for future upgrades at another seven facilities.
The Fund is allocated via annual action plans, with the most recent including a range of initiatives to get more women into recreational boating, improve boating safety through better aids to navigation, support waterway management and deliver boating education clinics.
The Better Boating Fund reinvests recreational boating licence and registration fees back into boating projects and programs. Since 2021 nearly $140 million has been returned to recreational boating including more than 50 ramp upgrades such as St Leonards, Lake Bullen Merri, Clifton Springs and Inverloch.
To view the Better Boating Fund Action Plan and for more detail on major ramp infrastructure upgrades visit www.betterboating.vic.gov.au
As stated by Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos
"This is great for local communities and will benefit local economies, by reeling in more visitors to the regions."
"We know Victorians cherish time spent on the water. Having user-friendly facilities, better access through dredging and convenient locations to launch helps to create an even better boating experience."
As stated by Member for Point Cook Mat Hilakari
"These upgrades ensure boating remains accessible and enjoyable for families right across Melbourne's West, while also supporting local jobs and our visitor economy."
As stated by Member for Werribee John Lister
"Werribee's boating community will benefit greatly from these upgrades - making it easier and safer for locals and visitors to enjoy time on the water."
As stated by Victorian Fisheries Authority CEO Travis Dowling
"Werribee South provides terrific boating access to the net-free Port Phillip for anglers chasing King George whiting, snapper, flathead and calamari.
"The best part is the Better Boating Fund ensures it's free to launch and park at all of Victoria's 400-plus public boat ramps, so there's no excuses not to go fishing every day."
