Rocklands Reservoir, Lake Toolondo and Lake Lonsdale to get facility upgrades through Victorian government funding

The $33 million Better Boating Fund is part of a wider Victorian Recreational Boating Strategy, a Victorian government program that aims to underpin future boating investments in the state.

From the fund, $1.05 million will be spent on duplicating the existing northern boat ramp at Lake Lonsdale, as well as formalise boat ramps and car parks at the Toolondo southwest boat ramp and Rocklands Hynes earthen ramp.

Balmoral Angling Club president Neil Vaughn has regularly used Rocklands Reservoir as a fishing spot, and welcomed the renewed interest from fishing authorities in the site.

"From an angling club perspective, we think it is great. The more people we can get into the town the better economically for us it is going to be," he said.

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Mr Vaughn said during his time as president he has worked with the Victorian Fisheries Authority and GWMWater on their fish stocking program, which has seen large amounts of murray cod and golden perch released into Rocklands Reservoir.

"I have spoken to a few fisheries people and they are very excited about Rocklands, because of the feed and the great fishing. The habitat is better for the fish because it is not such a deep reservoir, so fish can feed on banks a lot more and their growth rate will be greater," he said.

"Once they reach a size, and a lot of them are getting to it now, there will be a lot of people coming to our region. That will all go well for our economic driver. Mental well-being too, fishing is a great release."

GWMWater Water Resources and Recreation Strategy coordinator Bernie Dunn said the group had been working with local communities and groups like the angling club to identify priorities at the region's reservoirs.

"We place a high value on lakes and weir pools in our region because of the environmental benefits, the opportunities for local communities to enjoy recreational activities, and the visitors they attract to our region," he said.

"Both the Rocklands and Toolondo ramps have been designed to maximise the slope of the ramp for launching boats at lower water levels.

"Now is an opportune time to do boat ramp works when water levels are low."

Mr Vaughn said the fish stocking program and facilities upgrades at Rocklands Reservoir have drawn comparisons to a similar fisheries program at Lake Eildon, and said it would be a great tourism driver.

"I thank all the authorities for their continued support of Rocklands. We really appreciate the money they have put in for us. A lot of members have got to know these people pretty well so it has been great," he said.

The draft Victorian Recreational Boating Strategy has been released for its final round of consultation through the Engage Vic portal.

Once complete, the strategy will underpin annual action plans to determine the investment of the Better Boating fund each financial year.

To view the strategy, the 2021/22 Action Plan, and a summary of the Boating Infrastructure Management Review, visit www.engage.vic.gov.au/rec-boating-strategy.

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