The St Leonards boat ramp upgrade has reached its latest project milestone, with a contractor appointed for the opening stage of works.
Construction is expected to begin in late May, and upgrades will be funded through the state government’s reinvestment in recreational boating license and registration fees.
Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant said St Leonards was a popular spot for people to “hit the water” on the Bellarine Peninsula.
“This project will provide more protection for boaters when they’re heading out or coming back to the ramp,” she said.
“The ramp is a key community asset and local boaters have been passionate about this project, so this significant step toward construction will be welcome news.”
The ramp provides access to productive fishing grounds, with the upgrade looking to make it easier for boaters to launch and retrieve their boats in different conditions.
The project will rebuild the 65-metre-long jetty that extends out from the boat ramp, double the length of the end T-section to 40-metres-wide, and add new fenders and cleats for boaters.
Wave screens will also be installed along the structure’s length, and the widened T-section will provide more protection from waves caused by northerly and easterly winds.
Plans were developed with local boaters and the community through consultations and feedback. The ramp will be closed during construction, with works due to be finished in time for summer.
Better Boating Victoria has worked on the ramp’s designs with the Bellarine Bayside Foreshore Committee of Management, FSC Range engineers, local boaters, and community members.
Visit Better Boating Victoria’s website to follow the project’s progress.
