- Published:
- Wednesday 15 December 2021
The Andrews Labor Government has provided a clear future vision for boating facilities at Warneet with the release of the Warneet Boating Precinct Plan.
The plan was developed alongside Better Boating Victoria (BBV), outlining how to best manage Warneet's boating, foreshore, and local port facilities as part of the Government's ongoing investment into recreational boating.
In the plan, BBV will work with asset managers and the local community in renewing the local port facilities, which provide access to Rutherford Inlet and Western Port – situated across Warneet North and South. With multiple managers of the area, a highly coordinated approach is required.
Two rounds of community consultation confirmed the key priorities initially identified by the local community and informed the development of the Warneet Boating Precinct Plan.
Feedback during both consultation rounds included replacing ageing jetties at the north and south sites, new public toilet facilities and an upgraded boat ramp and car park at Warneet South. The final plan outlined concept designs addressing these and other infrastructure priorities.
The steps identified in the plan include developing detailed designs and approvals for upgrades. BBV will progress these alongside other responsible authorities, including Parks Victoria, Warneet Foreshore Committee of Management, Casey City Council, the Department of Transport, and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.
The plan comes as the Government continues making boating more accessible for all Victorians with its $33 million Better Boating Fund – a promise at the 2018 election to ensure all money from licence fees and recreational vessel registrations is reinvested into boating infrastructure and programs.
We have also made it free to park and launch at Victorian boat ramps and have embarked on the most significant boat ramp construction program in the state's history.
To view the final Warneet Boating Precinct Plan, head to www.betterboating.vic.gov.au/ramp-upgrades/warneet.(opens in a new window)
Quotes attributable to Minister for Fishing and Boating Melissa Horne
"Warneet is a popular spot for locals and tourists – this plan helps streamline the process of progressing upgrades to ensure work can be delivered to make boating easier."
"We remain focused on delivering improvements and upgrades to facilities across the state to ensure recreational boating is cheaper and more accessible for all Victorians to enjoy."
Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Jane Garrett
"The local community has long been calling for upgrades to Warneet, and the development of the plan has taken several invaluable rounds of community feedback into account to identify what needs doing."
Quote attributable to Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale
"We are actively investing in boating facilities right across Westernport Bay, including Warneet, for boaters near and far – showcasing this special part of the world, it’s hidden gems, our local community and businesses.”