Boat ramp upgrades complete at Warrnambool’s Lady Bay

Boaters can now get out onto the water at an upgraded boat ramp within the historic Warrnambool harbour precinct.

Better Boating Victoria (BBV) Director Katherine Grech said boaters can again launch at the ramp which has seen $3.5 million worth of upgrades completed thanks to the Victorian Government’s Better Boating Fund.

“These upgrades are a great example of how boaters’ licence and registration fees are being reinvested through the Better Boating Fund to make hitting the water easier right across the state,” she said.

“The improvements at the Lady Bay boat ramp include new, more modern jetties that have replaced the ageing wooden structures either side of the ramp. The jetties enable better tie-up points and more protection for boaters when launching and retrieving.

“In addition, the existing two-lane ramp surface has been replaced with grooved concrete slabs to provide more traction and rock revetment alongside the ramp has been reinforced to reduce erosion and wave action.

“Dredging is also continuing in Lady Bay to help reduce wave action, with work running into mid-December before being paused over the busy Christmas period.”

Construction has been managed by Warrnambool City Council, with contractor Bridgewater Marine undertaking the work.

“The new-look ramp will be a go-to launching spot for south-west boaters, particularly those heading offshore to fish during tuna season,” she said.

“Attention will soon turn to how wave energy can be further reduced at the ramp by working in conjunction with the council

“The Warrnambool upgrade compliments ongoing work to provide better access at Apollo Bay, while Lake Bullen Merri’s south beach boat ramp has also been re-opened to boaters following a major redevelopment.

“It’s all part of the Victorian Government’s ongoing investment to make boating easier, cheaper and more accessible through the state’s biggest ever boat ramp construction program.”