Another upgraded boat ramp is on the way for Phillip Island with design and planning commissioned to improve boating facilities at the Cowes boat ramp.
Minister for Fishing and Boating Melissa Horne said the upgrades would make launching and retrieving easier and safer at the popular ramp.
The Cowes boat ramp upgrade is part of the Andrews Labor Government's commitment to make boating better and improve the experience of all recreational boaters in Victorian waterways.
The Cowes boat ramp upgrade, delivered by Better Boating Victoria (BBV), will be undertaken alongside ongoing works at Rhyll, to ensure boaters right across one of the Victoria's most popular holiday destinations have better and safer facilities.
The current facility includes a single-lane ramp, jetty, about 30 car and trailer parking spaces and is managed by Bass Coast Shire Council. The existing Cowes ramp is impacted by sand accumulation, making launching and retrieving vessels difficult.
BBV has commissioned AW Maritime Pty Ltd to provide a report and functional design options for an upgrade of the boat ramp to improve its safety and functionality.
Concept designs will be progressed in consultation with key stakeholders and will then be made public for further feedback. Once a concept has been agreed upon, BBV will work with the Council to progress the next stage of planning.
Concept designs for the ramp upgrade are expected to be finalised by May 2021.
"We are delivering on our promise to upgrade key boating facilities across the state, improving the boating experiences for Victorian families."
"These upgrades to Cowes boat ramp will not only make boating easier and safer for both locals and visitors, it will also support the community as we continue our economic response to the coronavirus pandemic."
As stated by Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale
"It's great to see continued investment into our community, with the upgrade at Rhyll and now this much-needed upgrade at the Cowes ramp."
"The process to consult and develop designs at Rhyll with the community showed that early engagement is key to successful outcomes. We look forward to similar consultation as planning commences for improvements to the ramp at Cowes."
