St Kilda Boat Sales - $3.6m Gov't spend on recreational boaters
15 February 2010
$3.6m Gov't spend on recreational boaters
Recreational boaters, search and rescue organisations and boating facilities across Victoria today received $3.6 million from the Brumby Labor Government for more than 60 projects to improve boating safety and infrastructure.
Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas announced the grants at Patterson River in Carrum today, where the local boat ramp will receive more than $697,000 for the development of 130 car and trailer car parks to improve accessibility for boaters who use this popular facility.
“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action now to improve safety and accessibility on all Victorian waterways and we understand how important these projects are to local communities,” Mr Pallas said.
“Funding for the Patterson River boat launching facility is a great result for the local boaters and the wider community, with a further $78,000 allocated to Parks Victoria to replace an existing pontoon with two additional floating pontoons, including a hoist for disabled access.
“A total of 63 projects across the state will receive funding this year through the Boating Safety and Facilities Program to boost safety education and training, buy rescue vessels and equipment, provide navigation aids and signage, and upgrade and build boating facilities.”
Member for Carrum Jenny Lindell said the projects around Patterson River would make boating safer and easier to access for all recreational boaters in the area.
“It is fantastic to see this region receive this significant funding and I look forward to seeing the results when the projects are finalised and are being used by Victorian boaters,” Ms Lindell said.
Mr Pallas said grants would also fund new rescue vessels for the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Lakes Entrance and Westernport flotillas, and Volunteer Marine Rescue Mornington as part of the 2009-10 program.
“This year’s grants include almost $700,000 towards search and rescue across Victoria, providing volunteers with key equipment and training required to undertake important rescue operations for our boating communities,” he said.
Other major projects funded this year include:
* $95,000 for three new lanes and new jetties at St Helens boat ramp in Geelong;
* $20,000 for upgrades to Warrnambool’s Simpson Street ramp and jetty at Hopkins River;
* $112,000 for improvements to Dawson’s Cove boat ramp, East Gippsland;
* $121,000 for additional berthing and lighting upgrades at Inverloch boat ramp; and
* $9,800 for training courses for the Australian Navy Cadets, Chelsea Yacht Club, Scouts Australia and Anglicare Victoria.
Mr Pallas said the Brumby Labor Government was committed to working with local communities to ensure safer boating environments and provide better boating facilities across the state.
“Improving boating safety is a high priority for the Government and our aim is to continue to reduce the number of boating-related injuries and fatalities on Victoria’s waterways,” he said.
Since 2001, the Victorian Government has invested more than $41 million into the Boating Safety and Facilities grants program.
The Government has also undertaken a comprehensive review of marine safety legislation that will modernise laws to improve safety for boaters and other water users.
For more information, including a list of successful recipients, visit www.marinesafety.vic.gov.au or contact Marine Safety Victoria on freecall 1800 337 222.
Media contact: Bill Kyriakopoulos 9651 5799 / 0400 510 802
www.premier.vic.gov.au