- Published:
- Tuesday 21 May 2024
Victoria’s network of all-abilities boating facilities continues to grow with an accessible pontoon installed at Lake Boga to enable all boaters to enjoy a day out on the water, thanks to the Allan Labor Government.
Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos said the Labor Government’s $475,000 investment will make it easier for more boaters with that experience mobility challenges to the popular lake south of Swan Hill.
A new 14-metre-long gangway features a gradient indicator to make sure boaters can determine whether they require assistance accessing the pontoon while a new Hansa C-Crane will be mounted onto the floating structures – helping boaters to be lifted in and out of vessels.
The new pontoon is 1.8 metres wide and features fendering to protect boats pulling in alongside it, cleats to provide spots to tie up and will be more user friendly at high and low water levels. The original pontoon has also been repurposed as a fishing platform on the southern side of the ramp.
A similar structure will also be installed at Blue Rock Lake later this year, in partnership with Southern Rural Water, as the state’s network of accessible boating facilities continues to grow.
This project was funded by the reinvestment of recreational boaters’ licence and registration fees which continue to improve boating across the state through a range of projects and programs as part of the Better Boating Fund.
Swan Hill Rural City Council has managed the construction and design process, with support from the Victorian Fisheries Authority’s Better Boating Victoria division.
A dedicated all-abilities platform has been installed at Mordialloc Creek while accessible pontoons and gradient indicators have also been added as part of ramp upgrades at Hastings, Queenscliff, Apollo Bay, Lake Bullen Merri and Pritchards Landing on the Glenelg River.
Similar facilities are also located at Patterson River, Tooradin and on the Hopkins River at Warrnambool.
To learn more visit betterboating.vic.gov.au/abilities-access
Quote attributable to Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos
“We’re proud to provide more access to more waterways for more people as part of the state’s biggest ever boat ramp construction program and there’ll be more to come thanks to our continued investment into this great pastime.”
Quote attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
“The new accessible pontoon at Lake Boga will make spending a day on the water easier, including those boaters that might need a little extra lift to get on board.”