Fishers and boaters will soon be able to enjoy better access and facilities on Phillip Island thanks to the Victorian Government, with construction on Cowes boat ramp officially underway.
Minister for Outdoor Recreation Sonya Kilkenny and Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale toured the construction site to see how the $2.8 million upgrade will boost boating across the region.
The project will extend and raise the existing ramp to provide boaters better access at a greater range of tides and manage sand accumulation. The adjoining jetty will also be extended to create more space for temporarily tied boats and the lower landing raised to improve access to and from vessels.
A cofferdam will be built to support the existing ramp extension and help crews build the new ramp in dry conditions over the coming months. Ramp manager Bass Coast Shire Council (BCSC) is overseeing the project with work being undertaken by Bridgewater Marine Pty Ltd.
The project is funded through the investment of boating licence and registration fees through the Government's Better Boating Fund and the $96 million investment to improve fishing, boating, piers and aquaculture in Victoria over the next four years.
The ramp will be closed for several months and boaters are encouraged to use the recently redeveloped Rhyll boat ramp to get out on the water. The $4.5 million ramp was completed last year and features a new three-lane concrete ramp, additional parking and fixed and floating pontoon jetties. It also features new lighting and fenders.
The Cowes boat ramp upgrade is one of several on the Bass Coast being delivered and funded through Better Boating Victoria (BBV). This includes a $2.6 million ramp redevelopment at Tooradin, construction on a $4 million project at Mahers Landing set to start later this year and the $2 million upgrade at Inverloch boat ramp.
BBV and BCSC are also consulting with local users to shape future upgrades at Newhaven boat ramp, with engineers drawing up concept designs to inform the project's scope.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Outdoor Recreation Sonya Kilkenny
"These upgrades at Cowes will improve boating access, facilities and safety for locals and visitors to enjoy time out on the water more often."
"This is one of several major ramp redevelopments taking place in 2023 which are helping make boating better right across the state."
Quote attributable to Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale
"It's fantastic to see construction on the go at Cowes boat ramp - delivering better access for Phillip Island and Bass Coast boaters."
