Rhyll boat ramp to open this weekend

COMPLETION of Rhyll’s new $4.5m boating facility has been delayed with the project expected to be completed later this month. 

According to the shire, delays occurred due to un-favourable tides and weather conditions during August to complete the final components of the marine based works and carpark area. 

Recent works have included:

• Boat ramp precast planks installed.

• Pontoon installed.

• Jetty steel works and walers installed and completed.

• South island kerb and channel completed.

While overall, the project will see:

•  Replacement of the existing three-lane boat ramp with three new lanes extended further into Western Port, to permit all-tide launch and retrieval operation

• Two new fixed jetties to replace the existing jetty, new fish cleaning tables and two new larger floating pontoons to replace the existing pontoon

• Reconstruction of the existing car park to provide 40 larger car/trailer unit spaces, with improved traffic management and improved public lighting

• Partial replacement of the masonry seawall with a new seawall and pedestrian pathway along the eastern edge of the car park

• New dedicated kayak/yacht/canoe facility for non-powered craft

Minister for Fishing and Boating Sonya Kilkenny and Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale even paid a visit to the facility last week to view the upgrades, which were part of the state government’s $47.2 million investment to improve recreational boating.

Line marking and asphalting of the main carpark will be undertaken over the next week to complete the project, with the ramp opening to boaters in time for the school holidays.

To celebrate the opening of the Rhyll boat ramp, the local community is holding a free fishing and boating festival along the foreshore on Saturday, September 17, from 10am. 

The day will be an opportunity for everyone to enjoy all that Rhyll has to offer, with live music and shorefront markets. 

Several kids fishing clinics will also be run on the day, with 10 places available in each session bookings are essential. 

More information on the celebration day can be found online: www.vfa.vic.gov.au/rhyllopening