Coordinated Dredging Program Port Phillip and Western Port for public boat ramps  

Dredging at boat ramps and channels is critical to ensuring boaters have access to boat launching facilities. This is undertaken at many facilities as routine maintenance.

$1 million in grant funding has already been made available to facility managers through the 2021-22 Recreational Boating Access and Dredging Program.

The Victorian Recreational Boating Strategy has also identified the need for a more coordinated and strategic approach to how maintenance dredging at public boat ramps is managed within Port Phillip and Western Port, with around 70% of the state’s recreational boating activity located on these waters.

The current approach to maintenance dredging by asset managers is uncoordinated, and at times reactive. Better Boating Victoria is investigating options to improve maintenance dredging around Port Phillip and Western Port to drive better outcomes for boaters.

Work is now underway with the coordinated dredging program. Some of the initial key findings include:

• There are 21 public boat ramps that require some form of dredging
• 16 of these ramps are located within Port Phillip, and 5 are located in Western Port
• These sites use different plant and equipment to undertake dredging, such as a Cutter Suction Dredge or an Excavator, or in some cases a combination of both
• The program will progress necessary environmental approvals and permits to facilitate a coordinated dredging program
• A market assessment of available contractors and procurement strategy will be developed as part of the program

This work is detailed and expected to be finalised by the end of 2022. Once this work is completed, the next steps will include progressing options for a coordinated dredging program.

Further Information Required?

Find further information below or please contact the team at Better Boating Victoria via email – BBV.Communications@vfa.vic.gov.au

Why is a co-ordinated dredging program for Port Phillip and Western Port public boat ramps being looked at?

The Victorian Recreational Boating Strategy 2021-2030 has identified the need for a more coordinated and strategic approach to how maintenance dredging at public boat ramps is managed within Port Phillip and Western Port, with approximately 70% of all Victorian recreational boating users concentrated in these areas.

Isn’t dredging supposed to be the responsibility of the asset manager in charge of the boat ramp?

The current approach to maintenance dredging by asset managers is not coordinated. The need to investigate options to improve maintenance dredging around Port Phillip and Western Port through a centralised program is required to drive better outcomes for boaters.

What boat ramps are being included as part of the proposed program?

There are 21 public boat ramps that require some form of dredging around the two bays which will be picked up as part of the proposed program. 16 of these ramps are located within Port Phillip, and 5 are located in Western Port.

When will the dredging program be ready to commence?

It is anticipated that works to facilitate dredging approvals and a procurement strategy will be finalised in late 2022, with the possible implementation of a coordinated dredging program for boat ramps located in Port Phillip and Western Port (pending the outcomes of the findings of the final report) throughout 2023 for eligible sites.

What are the sites?

A total of 21 sites have been identified for consideration. However, action will be dependent on approvals and funding availability at each location.