More funding has been delivered for much-needed upgrades to key boating facilities across northern Victoria, as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s Better Boating Fund Structural Maintenance Grants Program.
The program opened to ramp and asset managers in February, and grants awarded will help undertake significant maintenance projects such as new ramp surfaces, replacing pontoons and accessibility works.
Of the $1.7 million in funding awarded through the grants program, more than $510,000 will go towards projects in the iconic Murray Valley.
On the Murray River at Echuca, the Campaspe Shire Council has received $270,744 to upgrade the Victoria Park boat ramp. The existing dry boat ramp is in poor condition and needs replacing. Stage two of a council-led upgrade project will see a new ramp surface laid down and supporting structures replaced to make the ramp more functional and safer for boaters.
Along the Murray Valley Highway at Kangaroo Lake, Gannawarra Shire Council has also been awarded $240,000 to build a new fixed jetty at Gorton Point. The new jetty will replace the old structure at the boat ramp, which was destroyed and removed due to wave action.
Kangaroo Lake is a popular location among skiers and personal watercraft users and is stocked with native fish including Murray cod and golden perch to create more fishing opportunities.
The grants are funded by the Better Boating Fund which is delivering 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 will 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 details on each of the funded projects, visit www.betterboating.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Fishing and Boating Melissa Horne
“These grants will ensure ramp managers have the funds to upgrade and maintain their facilities – also benefiting the thousands of Victorians who use them each year by improving accessibility and enhancing safety.”
“This is another fantastic example of how we are putting Victorians’ boating licence and recreational vessel registration fees to work, delivering strong outcomes by re-investing in boating infrastructure and other programs.”
Quote attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp
“We know how important boating is to the local community – so these upgrades will provide a huge benefit and make hitting the water easier for all skiers, fishers and sailors.”