September 27, 2022
VRFish applauds the Andrews Labor Government’s announcement to invest an unprecedented $42 million in recreational boating.
VRFish Chairperson, Mr. Rob Loats, said “The Minister for Fishing and Boating, Sonya Kilkenny, must be congratulated for this incredible investment which will make boating even better across Victoria.”
The $42 million investment through the Victorian Recreational Boating Action Plan 2022-23 is funded by boat registration and licence fees through the Better Boating Fund.
“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.”
Major upgrades will be delivered at popular boat ramps including Avalon, Clifton Springs, Kirk Point, Limeburners in Geelong, Lake Burrumbeet, Cowes and Mahers Landing, near Inverloch.
Funding will also be provided for new boat ramp cameras, support ramp managers with structural maintenance and dredging of facilities, progress planning for new projects and ensure public ramps remain fee free.
“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% 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.”
During 2021-22, the Victorian Government collected more than $32 million in revenue from recreational boating related fees.
KEY PROJECTS
Key projects include:
- $4 M for the upgrade to Kirk Point
- $2.5M to commence the upgrade to Limeburners
- $4 M to upgrade Mahers Landing, near Inverloch
- $2 M to upgrade the Cowes boat ramp
- $1.5M to commence the upgrade to Avalon
- $300K to create more car-trailer parking at Clifton Springs
- $300K to upgrade the ramp at Lake Burrumbeet
- Over $3 million in planning future upgrades
- $2M in structural maintenance grants to be opened up
- $1M in dredging grants to be opened up
