Colac Otway Shire Council will soon offer a better recreational boating experience at the Port of Apollo Bay with works to commence on an $800,000 upgrade of boating facilities.
The project is part of the State Government's $47.2 million investment into Victorian boating through Better Boating Victoria (BBV).
Infrastructure and Operations General Manager Heath Chasemore said the project will create better access and increase space for boats.
"The project will replace the existing wooden jetty and floating pontoon with larger and more durable floating pontoons on each side of the boat ramp, creating provisions for all-abilities access.
"The two 55 and 60 metre long floating pontoons will create significantly more space for boats to be temporarily tied up, freeing up capacity at the ramp and improving the efficiency of vessel launching and retrieval.
"Access at all tides will be made easier through the pontoon replacement work and by dredging alongside construction," Mr Chasemore said.
Bellingham Marine has been engaged to conduct the project with the first stage of works to be demolition of the existing structures and driving of the new piles. Work has already commenced and is expected to take two to three weeks.
The second stage of the works, which includes the installation of the new pontoons and gangways, are planned to start in the last week of November and expected to take two to three weeks to complete.
"We're aiming to have the project completed by December, in time for the summer school holidays and peak boating period," Mr Chasemore said.
"The boat ramp will remain open for as long as possible but will have to be closed at certain times to ensure safety of contractors and members of the public."
To find out further information on the project including any changes to Port of Apollo Bay access and operations visit https://www.colacotway.vic.gov.au/Works-Projects/Apollo-Bay-Harbour-Pontoons
Boaters can keep up to date with progress via the new Boating Vic boat ramp camera at https://www.boating.vic.gov.au/ramps/a157F000001P6QBQA0
