The Local Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced that $29,452 has been allocated to the Polwarth region out of the Brumby Government’s 2007-08 Boating Safety and Facilities Program.
“The Brumby Government is committed to working with community groups to ensure a safer boating environment and the provision of safe boating facilities,” said Ms Tierney.
Projects funded in the region, include:
• $10,000 to Seal the ramp, repair existing jetties and install a new jetty at Lake Tooliorook, Lismore
• $18,400 to the Apollo Bay Ocean Rescue Inc for 10 members to undertake Coxswain training
• $1.052 to the Apollo Bay Ocean Rescue Inc for fuel bladders and a propeller guard for the inflatable rescue boat
Ms Tierney said that 104 projects across the State have been awarded funding from the 2007-08 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,” said Ms Tierney.
“Improving boating safety is a very 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.”
The Minister for Roads and Ports, Tim Pallas, said since the first year of the program in 2001-02, the Victorian Government has re-invested over $31 million into the Boating Safety and Facilities Program funded by recreational boat operator licensing fees and vessel registration revenue.
Mr Pallas said the Government is providing funding in this year’s program to improve boating safety education and training, purchase search and rescue vessels and equipment, provide navigation aids and boating safety signage, upgrade and construct boating facilities and install marine communications.
The program will also continue to support a range of state-wide programs including:
• boating safety public awareness campaigns
• boating safety research focussing on injuries and fatalities
• boating safety education programs
• the Personal Water Craft Courtesy Rider Program
• boating safety publications.
“The Boating Safety and Facilities Program shows that the Brumby Government takes safety on our waterways as seriously as safety on our roads,” Mr Pallas said.
For further information, including the full list of successful applicants visit www.marinesafety.vic.gov.au or call Marine Safety Victoria on 1800 337 222.