Construction is forging ahead on a major redevelopment of the main boat ramp at Lake Bullen Merri, near Camperdown in Victoria's south-west.
The upgrade, worth up to $2.5 million, is a key part of the Andrews Labor Government's focus on reinvesting boater licence and registration fees through the Better Boating Fund and will make it easier to get out on the water at the popular fishing and boating destination.
Corangamite Shire Council is managing construction, and crews have been on site for several weeks. Work so far includes demolishing the old boat ramp, pontoon, and piles to make way for a new ramp.
Underwater excavation is currently underway to remove material in preparation for the new concrete ramp to be built. Once the excavation is complete, the rock will be placed and compacted as a base layer for the resurfaced ramp.
New underwater retaining walls on either side of the ramp will help to reduce sediment build-up, and piledriving will begin soon, along with trenches dug.
The project also includes the installation of a new central pontoon to allow for temporary tying up and accessing boats and a new turning circle at the top of the ramp.
Work is on track to be complete mid-year. The ramp is closed while crews work on the site, but boaters and anglers can still hit the water at nearby Lake Purrumbete, which is stocked with Chinook salmon and a variety of trout.
An unprecedented increase from the previous $5 million per year investment, the $33 million Better Boating Fund delivers on a promise the Labor Government made at the 2018 election to ensure all money from the licence fees and recreational vessel registration of Victorian boaters goes to improving boating infrastructure and programs.
The Department of Transport and Better Boating Victoria manage the fund's distribution - having already made it free to park and launch at Victorian boat ramps - and has embarked on the most significant boat ramp construction program in the state's history.
For more information, along with regular project updates, visit betterboating.vic.gov.au/ramp-upgrades/lake-bullen-merri.
As stated by Minister for Fishing and Boating Melissa Horne
"Work is now well underway on this long-awaited project, which will make it easier for local and visiting boaters and anglers to access Lake Bullen Merri."
"Lake Bullen Merri is a premier destination, so this upgrade will ensure we are supporting not only those accessing the lake for fishing or boating, but also the local economy which will benefit from tourism to the region."
As stated by Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney
"Having better access to the water at Lake Bullen Merri means more people from near or far can enjoy a day out on this popular waterway and support local businesses and communities along the way."
