- Minister for Fishing and Boating
Boating will become safer, cheaper and easier for all Victorians thanks to a raft of changes that will boost recreational boating and fishing.
Minister for Fishing and Boating Jaala Pulford today announced that Better Boating Victoria will be established to oversee the introduction of free parking and launching at all public Victorian boat ramps.
It's part of an unprecedented investment in boating and fishing by the Andrews Labor Government, that will ensure every dollar of licence and registration revenue can be directed to projects that improve boat ramps and other facilities.
The Labor Government will establish the Better Boating Fund to make possible boating facility upgrades and major maintenance of Victoria's boating infrastructure.
Better Boating Victoria will oversee the delivery of upgrades and important maintenance at Mordialloc, Queenscliff, Point Richards, Hastings, Rhyll and Cowes Jetty.
Eight new casual berths will also be established for public use across Port Phillip Bay.
Better Boating Victoria will also review the management of boating infrastructure in Port Phillip and Western Port
Consultation with key industry stakeholders in the fishing and boating industry will commence shortly to further refine the scope of the Better Boating initiatives.
These changes will make it easier and more affordable for Victorian families to get out on the water.
Better Boating Victoria builds on the success of the Government's record $46 million investment in the Target One Million program, including a massive boost to fish stocking, a new native fish hatchery and better planning for fishing tourism.
The Government is also removing commercial net fishing from Port Phillip Bay and Gippsland Lake which will protect the remaining biomass of fish and boost recreational fishing and boating – attracting tourists and creating jobs.
VicRoads will soon finalise the design for recreational fishing licence plates for cars and boats. Over 2000 entries have received already and the competition closes this week.
For more information, visit transport.vic.gov.au/betterboating
As stated by Minister for Fishing and Boating Jaala Pulford
"We've created Better Boating Victoria to oversee our unprecedented investment in boating that will ensure more Victorians can enjoy our wonderful waterways."
"We're making it easier and cheaper for Victorian families to get out on the water."
