THE poor condition of the Newhaven boat ramp jetty was holding up other possible improvements to this very busy local boating facility.
But not anymore after the State Government committed a share of more than $475,000 to be spent on maintenance projects at 13 sites, including repairs to Newhaven’s boat ramp jetty.
It will clear the way for other improvements in the future including the installation of a new pontoon.
Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos announced almost $1 million for 19 projects this week to create a better experience on local waters.
As well as the works at Newhaven, there’ll also be the replacement of damaged concrete at the Kirrang Point boat ramp on Lake Eppalock.
Parks Victoria will receive nearly $60,000 to replace the faulty timber jetty at the Bridgewater Lakes boat ramp with an accessible floating pontoon, extend the existing boat ramp, and re-sheet the asphalt car park.
The Lake Charlegrark Recreation Reserve Committee will receive more than $56,000 to repair and extend the concrete boat ramp, improving access at a greater range of water levels at the popular Wimmera waterway.
Bellarine Bayside Foreshore Committee will receive nearly $39,000 to replace jetty ladders at the Indented Head boat ramp and improve surfacing and drainage at the Steeles Rock ramp car park.
At Stony Point in Western Port, $28,000 will fund repairs to cracked concrete in the centre lane, improving safety and usability.
In Nelson, at the state’s far south-west, the Simsons Landing Road boat ramp carpark will be resurfaced to make parking safer and easier.
A further six projects will share in more than $500,000 through the government’s Dredging and Access Grants Program, including $110,000 to dredge the Mallacoota boat ramp off Allan Drive to restore safe access currently affected by sand build-up.
Additional dredging works are planned at Clifton Springs, Kananook Creek and Point Richards, along with channel dredging at Tootgarook and preliminary investigations at the Brighton–North Road boat ramp.
“We’re proud to support local communities with projects that make boating safer, easier and more enjoyable for Victorians,” said Minister Dimopoulos.
“These facilities are important for tourism and local communities. The upgrades will create better access, smoother launches and a better experience on the water with family and friends – exactly what boating in Victoria is all about.”
Media contact: Lukas Jamieson 0477 373 170 | lukas.jamieson@minstaff.vic.gov.au
Background
As part of the Victorian Government’s ongoing investment into making it cheaper and easier to get out on the water, Newhaven was identified for a future upgrade.
Located on Phillip Island the Newhaven boat ramp is an important part of the Western Port boat ramp network and currently comprises a two-lane concrete boat ramp, jetty, fish cleaning facilities, and parking.
Boaters use the ramp year-round with usage increasing significantly from spring through to early autumn. The ramp is popular with recreational fishers and other recreational boaters.
Some of the issues include:
- Lack of space and configuration of berthing and tie up points
- Limited car-trailer unit parking
- Tide restrictions, particularly at low tide
- Existing jetty poses challenges in terms of accessibility
What’s been happening?
Bass Coast Shire Council commissioned marine consultants to undertake a feasibility assessment of installing a new pontoon at the Newhaven Boat Ramp. However, the project was put on hold due to the poor condition of the jetty. Renewal works were completed in 2022 which included raising of lower deck, replacement of existing upper deck floor and improvements to the substructure.
In early 2023, Better Boating Victoria engaged marine consultants to develop a draft concept design for the future upgrade. In mid-2023, initial meetings were held with a small group of ramp users and local and state government agencies to obtain local input into the concept.
The draft design was made available for public consultation through an online survey which closed on Friday, January 19, 2024. BBV also hosted a drop in event at Newhaven on December 7, 2023
BBV reviewed the submitted feedback and where possible incorporated changes to develop a final concept. BBV will now work with the engineers and other government agencies to develop detailed designs and obtain all the appropriate approvals to facilitate future construction of the upgrade.
