- Minister for Fishing and Boating
Boaters and fishers across Victoria will be better prepared for a safer summer with the launch of a new app and safety campaign thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Fishing and Boating Jaala Pulford joined Member for Carrum Sonya Kilkenny at Patterson River to launch the app and announce the campaign, which encourages boaters to check the weather and be prepared.
While many boaters check the weather before heading out, they often fail to continue checking the weather during their trip.
A recent evaluation of Maritime Safety Victoria's (MSV) 2018/19 campaign found that 50 per cent of boaters and 85 per cent of paddlers don't check the weather while they are out on the water.
To help boaters stay on top of changing weather conditions, the Labor Government has released Boating Vic, a website and mobile app, that provides targeted information for over 450 boat ramps and launching locations across Victoria.
The app includes, ramp and carpark vision (live at selected locations), along with localised information such as marine weather forecasts, warnings, notifications, facility information and safety advice from a range of agencies.
Alongside the app, the new safety campaign 'Know the Weather, Get Boating Vic,' calls on all boaters and paddlers to think about trip preparation and weather changes to ensure they get home safely.
On top of the new app, the Labor Government has made it cheaper and easier for Victorian families to get out on the water by scrapping parking and launching fees at public boat ramps.
The Government is also reviewing of the management arrangements of recreational boating infrastructure in Port Phillip and Western Port bays to help make boating even better across Victoria.
Boating Vic is available for download from the Apple App Store and Google Play or at boating.vic.gov.au.
As noted by Minister for Fishing and Boating Jaala Pulford
"It doesn't matter if you're an experienced boater or getting out on the water for the first time - conditions on the water can change very quickly. That's why this new app is so important."
"Boating Vic will give boaters localised marine weather like never before - boosting safety for the thousands of Victorians who love getting out on the water."
As noted by Member for Carrum Sonya Kilkenny
"With more people on the water as we head into summer, we want to make sure you're prepared for a safer trip."
"Whether you're boating on the bay or enjoying a paddle on Patterson River, the Boating Vic App will help locals plan a safer day on the water."
