Upgrades to the boat ramps at Lake Bullen Merri are now complete thanks to a grant awarded by the Brumby Government.
Corangamite Shire received just over $51 000 for the upgrades through the 2008 – 09 round of the Victorian Government’s Boating Safety and Facilities Program.
The Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP said that “Improving boating safety on Victoria’s waterways is a priority for the Brumby Government and the Boating Safety and Facilities Program is a successful initiative that does this by providing infrastructure, equipment and resources to making boating safer and more accessible to Victorians.”
“Despite the ongoing drought that is affecting all Victorians, Lake Bullen Merri has retained good water levels and is continuing to provide opportunities for boating in the western district. It is important for us to ensure that the boating facilities at locations like Lake Bullen Merri are maintained to keep up with demand.”
Ms Tierney said that Lake Bullen Merri was a valuable recreational asset for the local community and visitors to the area. “With other waterways in Victoria drying up, Lake Bullen Merri has become very popular with visitors from across the State.”
“With increased usage, we wanted to ensure good access and safety at both the South and North Beach areas of the lake.”
Ms Tierney said the jetty had been lowered and extended, and new floating pontoons had been attached to adjust to the receding water levels.
“The improvements are part of our wider vision for Lake Bullen Merri. Council has just developed a Master Plan for the popular South Beach precinct which identifies other improvements needed.”
“We will continue to seek funding for upgrades at Lake Bullen Merri and it’s great that the State Government has a wide range of programs available,” she said.
“The Boating Safety and Facilities Program is into its eighth year and has invested over $36 million into projects that make boating safer and more accessible to Victorians,” she said.
“The 2008 -09 round of the Boating Safety and Facilities Program saw just over $3.6 million granted to 91 projects throughout Victoria.”
Grants are allocated to projects that upgrade and construct boat ramps and jetties, purchase search and rescue vessels and equipment, boost safety education and training, and aid navigation, signage and marine communications.
The program is funded by a portion of re-invested recreational boat operator licensing fees and vessel registration revenue.