- Published:
- Thursday 8 September 2022
The Andrews Labor Government is making it easier for locals and visitors to access the waters of Western Port with works nearing completion at Rhyll boat ramp.
Minister for Fishing and Boating Sonya Kilkenny and Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale were at the Rhyll boating facility today to look at the upgrades, as part of the Labor Government’s unprecedented $47.2 million investment to improve recreational boating.
The $4.5m project will fulfill an election commitment and has included the replacement of the existing three-lane boat ramp with new concrete panels and extension of the lanes deeper into the water – enabling all-tide access to the boating opportunities on Western Port and offshore.
Additional works formed stage one of construction in 2021, including the installation of new fixed and floating pontoon jetties to assist with launching and retrieval, an improved parking layout and longer car and trailer bays.
The Government has worked with waterway managers, local boaters and maritime engineers throughout the project, with construction overseen by facility manager Bass Coast Shire Council.
Rhyll is a small fishing village located at the north-eastern edge of Phillip Island. Out on the water fishers have a chance to reel in some of Western Port's iconic species, including whiting, snapper, gummy shark, calamari and flathead, while families can tow a donut or simply go for a cruise.
Line marking and asphalting of the main carpark will be undertaken over the next week to complete the project, with the ramp opening to boaters in time for the school holidays.
To celebrate the opening of the Rhyll boat ramp, the local community is holding a free fishing and boating festival along the foreshore on Saturday 17 September from 10am. The day will be an opportunity for everyone to enjoy all that Rhyll has to offer, with live music and shorefront markets.
Several kids fishing clinics will also be run on the day, with 10 places available in each session bookings are essential. More information on the celebration day can be found online: www.vfa.vic.gov.au/rhyllopening
Quotes attributable to Minister for Fishing and Boating Sonya Kilkenny
“It’s great to see the upgrade of the popular Rhyll boat ramp. We’ve now delivered upgraded facilities at six priority locations including Queenscliff, Point Richards, Mordialloc, Cowes jetty and Hastings – ensuring locals and visitors can easily and safely access our incredible waterways.”
“We’re progressing further boating projects on Phillip Island and surrounds, with designs being finalised for improvements to the Cowes boat ramp and nearby at Mahers Landing and Inverloch.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale
“We said we would upgrade Rhyll boat ramp, and we have done exactly that, and in time for the approaching snapper season.”
“We are fortunate to have a glorious coast and a stunning bay, which is why we are also progressing detailed designs for upgrades in Lang Lang, Inverloch and Mahers Landing.”