Victoria’s south-west coast region will receive $435,056 through the 2010-11 round of the Brumby Government’s Boating Safety and Facilities Program, Gayle Tierney MP announced today.
“The Brumby Government is committed to working with community groups to ensure a safer boating environment and for the provision of safe boating facilities,” Ms Tierney said.
Funding has been allocated towards:
• Moyne Shire Council’s upgrade of boat ramp facilities, boating information and signage at Port Fairy;
• Glenelg Shire’s upgrade of the Portland boat ramp;
• Australian Volunteer Coastguard Association Warrnambool’s marine radio communication centre project, and training for their volunteer crews, and
• Warrnambool City Council’s Hopkins River Waterway Audit Report Action Plan and development of an options report into the provision of safe boating and harbour facilities for the port of Warrnambool.
“These projects will ensure that watersports enthusiasts and the fishing and recreational boating community in the region have a safer and more enjoyable experience on the water,” Ms Tierney said.
Ms Tierney said that 58 projects across Victoria would receive funding from the 2010-11 program with the aim of making boating safer and more accessible for all Victorians.
“Funding is being provided to boating, fishing and community groups, local waterway authorities, government agencies, committees of management and search and rescue organisations across the State.
“Improving boating safety is a high priority for the Brumby Government and our aim is to continue to reduce the number of boating-related injuries and fatalities on Victoria’s waterways.”
Now in its 10th year, the Boating Safety and Facilities Program, which is funded through a portion of recreational boat operator licensing fees and vessel registration fees, has provided more than $46 million to about 940 projects that have helped make boating safer and more accessible for all Victorians.
Ms Tierney said the Government was providing funding in this year’s program to upgrade and build boating facilities, implement training and education initiatives, purchase new search and rescue vessels, improve navigation and safety signage and enhance marine communications.
“The Boating Safety and Facilities Program shows that the Brumby Government takes safety on our waterways as seriously as safety on our roads,” Ms Tierney said.
For more information about the Boating Safety and Facilities Program, contact the Grants Administration Team on 1800 337 222, email boating.grants@transport.vic.gov.au or visit www.transport.vic.gov.au/grants