Metung's Shaving Point Boat Ramp is set for a major overhaul that will make boating even better on the Gippsland Lakes.
East Gippsland Shire Council awarded a contract worth $809,332.14 to upgrade the facility at its May 2 meeting.
Works will involve demolishing the concrete double ramp and two timber jetties, constructing a replacement ramp and jetties with a combination of fixed jetties and floating pontoons, and remediation works to prevent sand build up on the ramp.
Mayor Cr Mark Reeves said the Shaving Point ramp was a key piece of boating infrastructure on the Gippsland Lakes.
"Recreational boating is a key driver of tourism as well as a valued way of life for residents," Cr Reeves said.
"This project is reflective of this and supports boating in East Gippsland though providing a functional, safe, and easy to use facility for many years to come.
"Locals, families, visitors and tournament anglers all use this facility. There is little wonder why the Metung community identified the ramp upgrade with us as one of its top three priorities."
This led to the development of designs for the upgrade of the precinct to make it more functional and to improve the aesthetics of the immediate area.
"The precinct upgrade concept plan was developed with community input. The Victorian Government developed its Recreational Boating Strategy at a similar time and through Better Boating Victoria (BBV) Shaving Point was identified as a redevelopment opportunity.
"On behalf of the community, Council thanks the Victorian Government and BBV for its $577,693 (ex GST) towards the project.
"This is a great investment in recreational boating and fishing on the Gippsland Lakes, and the Metung community," Cr Reeves said.
Cr Reeves said extensive community consultation has occurred, including a project control group established to oversee the project.
"We now look forward to our contractor Carter Marine Group progressing with the project," he said.
Expected start and completion dates will be announced soon.
Other aspects of the Shaving Point Concept Plan are not included in this contract and will be subject to future funding availability.
