State set for third bid on ramp work

Alex de Vos
State Government is set to step in to save Torquay’s boat ramp upgrade after two failed attempts to replace the crumbling structure.
In an emailed statement to the Independent a spokesperson for Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas said the Government was “aware of issues with the Torquay boat ramp”.
The spokesperson could not confirm the cost of the rescue package but said the Government “hoped to be in a position to make an announcement on this shortly”.
Earlier this month the Independent revealed the second attempt to upgrade the ramp had failed.
Great Ocean Road Coast Committee chief executive David Clarke said the project “was not confirmed or locked in” after failing to secure an affordable tender.
Last week the foreshore management body issued a newsletter saying the committee was “committed to delivering” the new boat ramp at Torquay.
“GORCC is continuing to work on a way forward to make it happen,” the newsletter said.
“We hope to bring you more news about this in coming weeks.”
The Independent revealed in October last year that a funding shortfall had forced authorities to shelve the first round of plans to replace the ramp.
The shortfall followed 18 months of planning and GORCC’s pledge to deliver a new structure before Christmas, 2008.
Mr Clarke said the committee re-tendered the project, which “exceeded our budget”.
State Government announced in 2008 it would provide $749,000 to replace the ramp on the same site at Fisherman’s Beach.
A Great Ocean Road Coast Committee study suggested replacing the ramp after ruling out a breakwater amid fears of impacts on the environment and a nearby surf break.