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General News
BIA Victoria welcomes funding boost for Bays
Thursday, 12 June 2008
BIA Victoria welcomes funding boost for BaysThe Boating Industry Association (BIA) of Victoria has welcomed a $5 million State Government boost for boating infrastructure in Port Phillip and Westernport Bays.
Half of the funding is to be spent on improving boat ramps, piers and navigational aids around Port Phillip Bay, including $1.3 million to upgrade Patterson River boat ramps and car parking.
The other $2.5 million will go to developing a long-term plan to update marine infrastructure and develop new marine precincts around Port Phillip and Westernport Bays.
BIA general manager Robert Coco said the funding, announced by Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings, was a good first step towards addressing Victoria’s urgent need for improved boating facilities.
“Although the immediate works are limited to upgrading existing facilities, the real story is the $2.5 to be invested in longer-term planning that can deliver a properly coordinated and streamlined approach to future infrastructure development,” he said.
“As marine facilities come on-stream, Victoria will be the winner, with the boating public able to enjoy a healthy and sustainable boating lifestyle, and the industry, with the support of the Government, able to make significantly greater contributions to the State economy.
“BIA is committed to working with Parks Victoria and other stakeholders in the Victorian Marine industry to deliver an exciting boating future for our two main bays.
“The message to the Australian marine and investment industry is: profitable opportunities will unfold in the marine sector in Victoria over the next 5-10 years – position yourself or risk missing out.
“While Patterson River accounts for a significant share of Port Phillip Bay’s boating launches and retrievals for geodemographic reasons, the shortage of other ramps in the bay places additional pressure on this facility, so it’s encouraging that the Government is recognising the need to examine future options.
“One of the important foundations for future planning is the Boating Coastal Action Plan developed over the past few years by the Central Coastal Board, which included significant inputs from the BIA.”
The $1.3 million Patterson River upgrade will replace three existing boat ramps, reconstruct a 200 metre retaining wall and install a floating pontoon, solar lights and new pathways.
Other allocations include $500,000 to repair Mordialloc Pier and upgrade the associated berthing facilities and community access; $400,000 to repair and upgrade Kerferd Road Pier; $200,000 to upgrade navigational aids for recreational boating; and $100,000 to improve mooring facilities at Williamstown.
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More information: Robert Coco 0414 492 984 or 8696 5600
Media inquiries & images: Greg Shoemark 0412 316 928 or 9898 5570
g_shoemark@optusnet.com.au