- Published:
- Thursday 20 May 2021
The Andrews Labor Government is supporting jobs, improving safety and taking trucks off local roads through significant investment in Victoria’s ports and freight, and boating and fishing industries.
The Victorian Budget 2021/22 will invest $19.2 million to continue delivering better boating facilities and safety upgrades for boaters and fishers across the state.
The investment includes a $6 million funding boost for significant works to upgrade the Warrnambool Boat Ramp for local boaters, and to improve access to the ever‑popular Lake Bullen Merri Boat ramp.
Victorians will also continue to have free access to park and launch at 35 public boat ramps through a $13.2 million investment – keeping boating and fishing affordable for families across the state.
To support recreational fishing and create local jobs there is $5.9 million for the new fish hatchery in Shepparton to produce up to 1.6 million in additional fish stock every year.
Recognising the importance of safe and efficient operation of our local ports to Victorian jobs remains a priority, with a $7.5 million boost to improve our management and planning at local ports and deliver critical maintenance works.
This includes $3.4 million for critical repairs to the Apollo Bay Breakwater and $1.6 million for essential repair work to be delivered at ports in Lakes Entrance.
Rail freight will continue to play a key role in reducing congestion and environmental impact for the movement of goods. With Victorian freight volumes expected to more than double by 2051, the Labor Government will continue supporting the growth of rail freight to get trucks off local roads.
The Labor Government will continue its investment in the Mode Shift Incentive Scheme with an additional $3.6 million to support the transport of goods by rail and help reduce costs.
An additional $32.4 million will deliver road and bridge upgrades across the state, improving efficiency and safety on the road freight network – and supporting Victorian jobs.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Ports and Freight and Fishing and Boating Melissa Horne
“We’re continuing to make boating and fishing easier and more accessible for all Victorians, improving boating infrastructure and delivering free access to dozens of ramps across the state.”
“A more efficient freight network supports our regional producers get their produce to port more quickly – that’s good news for local economies and local jobs.”