Better access to boating ramps is just around the corner for several Victorian waterways, with grants floated today by the State Government.
Minister for Outdoor Recreation, Steve Dimopoulos says $700,000 in Recreational Boating Access and Dredging grants will be provided through the Government’s Better Boating Fund.
“These annual dredging grants are a great example of how we’re reinvesting recreational boaters’ licence and registration fees into projects that improve the experience for everyone, and make getting out on the water easier,” said Mr Dimopoulos.
“Having good access to our waterways makes for a great start to any day on the water whether you’re fishing, just heading for a cruise or towing a donut with family and friends.”
The grants will be delivered through the Victorian Fisheries Authority’s (VFA) Better Boating division – which is currently undergoing the state’s largest ever boat ramp construction program.
A total of seven projects are sharing in the $700,000 funding, which is available to ramp and waterway managers to do dredging work or plan for future work to make their ramps easy to access.
At Mallacoota, East Gippsland Shire Council will use a grant of $150,000 to dredge at the Bastion Point boat ramp. The Council will remove sediment accumulating at the ramp, having previously received a Recreational Boating Grant to undertake maintenance on the rock groyne that provides protection from wind and waves.
At Clifton Springs on the Bellarine Peninsula, the City of Greater Geelong Council will use $135,000 to dredge the entrance to the popular boat harbour and ramp facility. The grant complements previous funding provided to the Council to conduct a dredging plan and provide more car and trailer parking for boaters.
Frankston City Council will receive $125,000 in funding to again dredge near the boat ramp at the mouth of Kananook Creek. This work occurs multiple times each year as part of an ongoing maintenance program to retain easy boating access onto Port Phillip.
At Anthony’s Nose boat ramp near Dromana, dredging using a long reach excavator will be undertaken for the first time by Dromana Foreshore Committee of Management thanks to a grant of $42,000.
The annual channel dredging at Tootgarook boat ramp will be supported through $60,000 in funding, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council will receive $128,000 to help address local ramp dredging needs and $60,000 will enable dredging to be planned to reinstate navigable depth at Kirk Point boat ramp.
