A raft of lakes and reservoirs in the Wimmera will receive investment in better boating facilities under the Victorian government's recreational boating strategy.
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Rocklands Reservoir, Lake Lonsdale and Lake Toolondo have been earmarked for funding for more than $1 million in upgrades to boating infrastructure until 2030.
Guiding government investment in improving recreational boating, the strategy outlines priorities identified by boaters through extensive consultation, including drop-in sessions at key boating locations.
Minister for Fishing and Boating Melissa Horne said the funding will be a big boost to Victorian boaters.
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"The development of this strategy through consultation with boaters ensures our unprecedented investment is funding the right projects in the right places," Ms Horne said.
"Boaters told us what their priorities were in their regions, and the strategy has acted on that feedback to make boating even better across Victoria - whether it be cheaper, safer or more accessible boating."
Accessible boating facilities for people of all abilities have been identified as a priority for future investment across the state, enabling everyone to experience Victoria's popular recreational boating opportunities.
Elsewhere in Victoria, $400,000 has been allocated for a new pontoon at Barrier Landing on the Gippsland Lakes, $250,000 for pontoon upgrades at Ocean Grove, $250,000 to upgrade the Lake Buffalo boat ramp in the north-east and the expansion of the Boating Vic camera network to Lake Eppalock.
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Boating communities across Port Phillip and Western Port will benefit from a host of upgrades with more than $2 million to be allocated at 14 locations, including in Geelong, Altona, Mornington, Werribee South, Avalon, Cowes, Capel Sound, St Leonards, and Cannons Creek.
The strategy also outlines a $1 million dredging grants program for ramp managers to fund maintenance where sand and sediment accumulation may affect access, an issue common at some coastal marine ramps.
Maintenance needs will be further addressed through a $2 million structural maintenance grants program to support upgrades to pontoons, jetties, ramps, and car parks.
While $1 million is being provided to boost navigational safety on our waterways - plans will progress for future upgrades across the state.
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Underpinned by the strategy, annual action plans will allocate the yearly investment from the Better Boating Fund. This fund was established in 2021 to put recreational boating registration and licence fees to work.
The Fund is reinvesting a record $33 million this financial year into projects and programs to make boating even better.
Better Boating Victoria will manage the fund's distribution, having already made it free to park and launch at Victorian boat ramps - and is delivering the most significant boat ramp construction program in the state's history.
To view the Strategy and 2021/22 Action Plan, visit www.betterboating.vic.gov.au/boatingstrategy.
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