Works are now underway to upgrade a popular boat ramp at the historic Warrnambool harbour.
Minister for Fishing and Boating Sonya Kilkenny today visited the Lady Bay boat ramp, which is being improved to make it easier and safer for boaters heading out on the water.
The upgrade will see the boat ramp approach lanes reconstructed, new jetties to provide better tie-up points, and re-profiling of the rock revetments alongside the ramp.
Crews have already commenced dismantling the old wooden jetties that flanked the ramp.
The project is being funded through the Andrews Labor Government’s $33 million Better Boating Fund and is scheduled for completion in October this year.
Plans for the upgrade have been developed by Warrnambool City Council in conjunction with Better Boating Victoria (BBV), which is making it cheaper and easier to get out on the water through the biggest boat ramp construction program in the state’s history and has made it free to launch at all public facilities in Victoria.
In addition to the upgrade, $1 million in funding will be provided by BBV to allow Council to undertake significant maintenance dredging at Lady Bay. This work will take place once the boat ramp upgrade is complete and will further reduce wave action that can make launching vessels challenging.
More information about the boat ramp upgrade can be found online at: https://betterboating.vic.gov.au/boat-ramp-upgrades/
Quotes attributable to Minister for Fishing and Boating Sonya Kilkenny
“We know Lady Bay boat ramp is such an important part of the historic Warrnambool harbour precinct – which is why these works are critical to improving safety and ensuring it can continue to be used by boaters well into the future.”
“Complemented by a dredged area and undercover fish cleaning tables – this upgrade will make it so much easier to head out on the water with family, friends and loved ones.”
Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney
“Upgrading the Lady Bay boat ramp will provide a huge benefit to boaters – giving them a safer, easier and stress-free start to their day on the water.”