The Allan Labor Government is helping more Victorians enjoy the great outdoors, with further boating facility upgrades being planned through the Better Boating Fund.

Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant recently announced that the latest round of the $36.3 million Better Boating Fund will support the planning and design of ramp upgrades at seven locations, including at St Leonards Boat Ramp

Plans will be drawn up for future upgrades at St Leonards Boat Ramp, in conjunction with asset managers, local boaters and other user groups.

The Victorian Fisheries Authority’s Better Boating division will also lead the planning and design of future upgrades at Cannons Creek, Capel Sound, Bundalong South on the Ovens River, Lake Eppalock’s Derrinal ramp, Mountain Dam Road at Rocklands Reservoir, Shepparton Weir on the Goulburn River and stage two of work at St Leonards.

The Fund is allocated via annual action plans, with the most recent including a range of initiatives to get more women into recreational boating, improve boating safety through better aids to navigation, support waterway management and deliver boating education clinics.

The Better Boating Fund reinvests recreational boating licence and registration fees back into boating projects and programs. Since 2021 nearly $140 million has been returned to recreational boating including more than 50 ramp upgrades such as St Leonards, Lake Bullen Merri, Clifton Springs and Inverloch.

To view the Better Boating Fund Action Plan and for more detail on major ramp infrastructure upgrades visit www.betterboating.vic.gov.au

Quotes attributable to Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos

“This is great for local communities and will benefit local economies, by reeling in more visitors to the regions.”

“We know Victorians cherish time spent on the water. Having user-friendly facilities, better access through dredging and convenient locations to launch helps to create an even better boating experience.”

Quote attributable to Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant

“The start of detailed design planning for Stage Two of upgrades at St Leonards Boat Ramp is a significant step, and we look forward to working with the local boating community to get their input through the process.”

Quote attributable to Bellarine Bayside CEO Scott Crabtree

“We are excited to see the investment in the design of St Leonards Boat Ramp which continues to be a popular destination for boat users and the fishing community.”