PORT Welshpool will be getting a new floating pontoon jetty, which will improve access to boating for people with mobility issues, under an agreement between the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) and the South Gippsland Shire Council.
Under the agreement, the VFA (branded as Better Boating Victoria) will be funding the total cost of the project, at $750,000 a pop.
The existing floating pontoon at the Port Welshpool boating facility is problematic from a maintenance perspective, as it breaks apart in rough weather.
A new all-abilities access pontoon will improve the functionality, safety and asset life, providing better opportunities for boating, for people of all abilities.
For the project, Council will be required to remove the current pontoon, install the new pontoon and manage and maintain the new access hoist on an ongoing basis.
While the project doesn’t require any financial contribution from Council at the outset, the cost and burden of ongoing maintenance does – much to the consternation of Councillors.
In last week’s Council meeting, Mayor John Schelling put forward an alternative recommendation for the ongoing maintenance, once the project has been completed.
“First, fabulous to receive $750,000 from Boating Victoria or the Victorian Fisheries Authority to upgrade what is now a broken pontoon. Secondly, a wonderful attribute to have a hoist on it to allow for full accessibility for all people to use it,” said Cr Schelling.
“Unfortunately, that comes with cost. And so, what I’m aiming to do here is to share some of the responsibility with such groups as the Coast Guards, Gippsland Ports, the Port Welshpool community, to take on board some of this, because we can’t have council officers down there every day watching over who’s going to go in and out of their boat at what time.”
Maintenance of the facility may include annual inspections and lubrication of the hoist, implementing a system that ensures secure and safe use, which may include a lock box, induction for use, and potentially partnering with a third party to manage access and oversight – tasks which has not been accommodated for in the funding allocation.
While ongoing costs may present an issue for Council, Cr Clare Williams believes this project is an opportunity to make inroads into greater access and inclusion across the shire.
“We do not punch above our weight when we are talking about access and inclusion; we are extremely low, a little bit embarrassing, but we’re getting there,” she said.
“This is such a small hoist in my investigation, and in return, we’re getting $750,000. This is fantastic.”
Better Boating Victoria carried out community engagement with Council’s support in late 2022, with key stakeholders and a community meeting held at the Port Welshpool Old Ferry Terminal.
Additional community consultation will be conducted prior to works to help manage disruption to boat ramp users as the project will likely require closure of the boat ramp for several weeks.
Council have stated they will endeavour to time the work to avoid peak periods and to help avoid disruption to users.
