General News
29 September, 2022
New jetty for Lake Tooliorook
A NEW jetty for Lake Tooliorook is on the cards following a Victorian Government announcement this week.
A NEW jetty for Lake Tooliorook is on the cards following a Victorian Government announcement this week.
The state government is continuing to improve recreational boating in Victoria with more than $42 million being invested as part of the Victorian Recreational Boating Action Plan 2022-23.
With funding delivered from boaters’ registration and licence fees, this package includes upgrades to a range of boating infrastructure across the state, including ramps, car parks, pontoons and jetties.
Minister for Fishing and Boating Sonya Kilkenny said the second action plan includes up to $300,000 for ramp upgrades at Lake Burrumbeet near Ballarat and the development of detailed designs for a jetty replacement at Lake Tooliorook, near Lismore and upgrades at Port Fairy boat ramp.
A second year of grants through the Recreational Boating Access and Dredging Program and Structural Maintenance Grants will help ramp managers improve access and facilities for boaters across the state through up to $3m of funding.
It builds on the $33.2 million invested in 2021-22, which provided more than $6m for large-scale ramp developments at Lake Bullen Merri and Warrnambool’s Lady Bay and expanding the Boating Vic camera network to Port Fairy and Apollo Bay.
“We’re continuing our investment in recreational boating across the state – improving safety and enhancing the boating experience across Victoria,” Ms Kilkenny said.
“We’re upgrading boat ramps across the state to create more opportunities for families to enjoy the great outdoors by hitting the water.”
The coming months will see a new accessible pontoon installed at Apollo Bay boat ramp as part of an expanding network of all-abilities facilities across the state, while $3.3m will ensure it’s cheaper to launch and park at Portland Harbour and all public rampsin Victoria.
VRFish, the recreational fishing peak body in Victoria, applauded the announcement to invest an “unprecedented $42 million in recreational boating”.
VRFish chairperson Rob Loats said Ms Kilkenny must be congratulated for this “incredible investment which will make boating even better across Victoria”.
“The plan will provide funding for important works that will improve our access to waterways such as replacing ramps, pontoons and jetties, improving parking and access roads,” he said.
“Better Boating Victoria must also be commended for delivering positive outcomes for recreational boaters and their involvement in securing this record funding for the sector.”
According to a recent survey by VRFish, more than 60 per cent of recreational fishers go fishing by boat which demonstrates the importance of good and safe access to our waterways.
“With record investment in recreational boating and fishing opportunities, there has never been a better time to be a recreational boater and fisher in Victoria,” Mr Loats said.
During 2021-22, the Victorian Government collected more than $32 million in revenue from recreational boating related fees.
To learn more about how the 2022-23 Recreational Boating Action Plan will improve boating through the south-west and across the state, head to www.betterboating.vic.gov.au.