Recreational boating will be made safer and more accessible for all Victorians with the Andrews Labor Government backing five new projects as part of the $5 million Boating Safety and Facilities Program.
Minister for Fishing and Boating Melissa Horne today announced $627,000 has been allocated to projects in Greater Geelong, City of Casey and South Gippsland, with selected works already underway.
More than $300,000 will be invested to improve boating facilities in the City of Greater Geelong, with the Clifton Springs boat harbour parking and Avalon Beach boat ramp both receiving significant upgrades. In addition, design work will get underway for a new pontoon at the Ocean Grove boat ramp.
The Toora boat ramp jetty will also be replaced following a $210,000 commitment to make it safer for boaters. Warneet's boating precinct is marked for future improvements, with a review of facilities at the popular facility underway.
Better Boating Victoria will also launch a $1.5 million grants program as part of the 2020-21 Boating Safety and Facilities Program, which will open to eligible organisations in February 2021.
Earlier this year, a $1.2 million investment was made through the Boating Safety and Facilities Program to provide for Marine Radio Victoria, an emergency maritime distress communications service.
In the past 20 years, the Boating Safety and Facilities Program has invested $67.8 million and funded more than 1,400 projects to improve safety and enhance recreational boating facilities across the state.
The $5 million available under the Boating Safety and Facilities Program is in addition to funding provided under the $47.2 million Better Boat Ramps and Free Parking program announced through the 2019-20 State Budget.
As stated by Minister for Fishing and Boating Melissa Horne
"It's the time of year where Victorians flock to the water to go boating, fishing or swimming and we're proud to be upgrading key facilities around the state so families can get out and enjoy the water."
"Recreational boating provides great opportunities for families to spend time together and the industry supports more than 20,000 jobs. This program plays an important role in ensuring Victorians can continue to enjoy the water safely."
