Media Release: BOAT-OWNERS AND ANGLERS GET $5 MILLION BAY BOOST

FROM THE MINISTER FOR ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE

DATE: Saturday, May 31, 2008

BOAT-OWNERS AND ANGLERS GET $5 MILLION BAY BOOST

Recreational anglers and boat-owners will benefit from a $5 million Brumby Government funding package to improve boating infrastructure in Port Phillip and Westernport.

Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings announced the funding at Patterson River on the south-eastern side of Port Phillip today.

“Port Phillip Bay attracts over 40 million visits a year and Patterson River is the most popular boating facility on the Bay, with over 52,000 boat launch and retrievals a year,” Mr Jennings said.

“Maritime infrastructure, such as piers, jetties and boat ramps are vital community assets, but many are ageing and the Brumby Government is taking action now to make sure they are maintained at the highest standard possible.

“Recreational boating is an increasingly popular pursuit, with rates of boat ownership rising, and we need to improve maritime infrastructure around the Bays to accommodate this growth.

“This Government will invest $2.5 million to improve safety and access for recreational boaters through improvements to boat ramps, piers and navigational aides at key sites around the Bay, including $1.3 million upgrading the Patterson River facility to increase the capacity of the boat ramps, improve car parking and traffic management.”

The Brumby Government will also spend $2.5 million on developing a long-term plan to revitalize ageing maritime infrastructure and develop maritime precincts around Port Phillip and Westernport.

The plan will align closely with the key directions set out in the Central Coastal Board’s Boating Coastal Action Plan and other key policy documents for Port Phillip and Westernport.

“The impact of climate change on the Bays, with increasing frequency of severe storms, requires a strategic approach to renewing these maritime assets to improve safety, better protect community assets and meet growing demand for boating berths,” Mr Jennings said.

The $2.5 million budget allocation for capital projects includes:
· $1.3 million to upgrade the Patterson River boat launching facility. Allowing Parks Victoria to undertake stage 2 of works to replace three ageing boat ramps, reconstruct a 200 metre retaining wall and install a floating pontoon, solar lights and new pathways;
· $500,000 Mordialloc Pier. Repairs to the structure of Mordialloc Pier will be undertaken and boat berthing facilities and amenities upgraded to enhance community access;
· $400,000 to repair and upgrade Kerferd Road Pier;
· $200,000 to upgrade navigational aids for recreational boating. The project will upgrade more than 130 navigational aids to provide markers that are visible in all weather. First stage works will commence immediately in high use zones around Port Phillip; and,
· $100,000 to improve boat mooring facilities at Williamstown. This will improve facilities for swing mooring holders, reduce congestion and improve environmental outcomes.