BETTER BOATING FUNDS SECURE

No doubt it is tough times at the state government levels with associated cost-cutting requirements. Headlining last week in the media were items relating to the state government planning to reduce costs, cut staff, eliminate various committees, and take other measures.

Most of this comes off the back of the independent Silver Report. One concerning recommendation in the Silver Report was to draw funds from the Better Boating Fund and direct them elsewhere! We are delighted to advise that the government has rejected this, and the Better Boating Fund remains safe and secure. We thank Minister Dimopoulos and his colleagues at Spring St who honoured their repeated promises and commitment to the Better Boating Fund, which is indeed the ‘backbone’ of our shared intent with government to make boating better in Victoria.

However, there will be a change, and efficiencies will be sought through the establishment of Outdoor Recreation Victoria. Fishing, hunting, boating and other activities will come under one ‘umbrella’, within Minister Dimopoulos’ remit of Recreation. BIAV expects Better Boating Victoria to remain a brand and delivery arm within Outdoor Recreation Victoria and to continue its strong work of recent years. BIAV continues to liaise with the Minister and other government officials to this end.