- Published:
- Tuesday 30 November 2021
More car parking, new jetties and a dedicated high tide-only access ramp are among proposed upgrades to boating facilities at Inverloch, one of Victoria's most popular holiday destinations.
The Andrews Labor Government has launched online consultation where boaters can have their say on the concept plans – developed alongside Bass Coast Shire Council – that will inform the next steps in the design process. Consultation will run for three weeks.
The current two-lane ramp at Inverloch off The Esplanade provides boaters with access to Anderson Inlet. The concept design proposes to reduce the difficulty of launching and retrieving vessels due to significant tides and the current configuration of ramps and jetties.
Under the proposed plan, a high tide-only access ramp would be constructed, allowing boats to be launched or retrieved at different tides, and new jetties at the existing ramp will include wave screens to boost safety. The new jetties will also provide more space for boats to be moored temporarily, allowing each ramp lane to be used more efficiently when boaters are heading out or coming back from a day on the water.
An additional 30 trailer parks will be provided at the ramp's grassed overflow area, with the formalisation of spaces to maximise capacity. In addition, dedicated boat preparation areas within the carpark will also be provided to reduce queueing at the ramp by allowing tie-down work to be done well out of the way.
The Government is also investing more than $33 million into the Better Boating Fund to make recreational boating cheaper and more accessible for Victorians to enjoy – a promise made at the 2018 election to ensure all money from licence fees and recreational vessel registration goes towards improving boating infrastructure and programs.
The Department of Transport and Better Boating Victoria will manage the fund's distribution, having already made it free to park and launch at Victorian boat ramps in the most significant boat ramp construction program in the state's history.
Boaters can have their say on the Inverloch boat ramp until Tuesday, 21 December at betterboating.vic.gov.au/consultations/inverloch.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Fishing and Boating Melissa Horne
"This planned upgrade will ensure boaters can effortlessly launch at Inverloch while also increasing safety and capacity at the facility."
"We encourage boaters to have their say on the plans and help shape the future of the Inverloch boat ramp to ensure it meets their needs now and for years to come."
Quotes attributable to Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale
"Inverloch is a popular launching spot for many boaters in Bass Coast and families from right across the state; that is why these upgrades are vital to improve the safety and reliability of the ramp.”
"Investing in our boating facilities is crucial to the local economy as we see our much-loved visitor friends continue to return now restrictions have eased."