Coordinated dredging program to boost boating access

A new coordinated dredging program is being developed to boost boating access across Port Phillip and Western Port.

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Minister for Fishing and Boating Sonya Kilkenny said the program will provide a more strategic approach to manage maintenance dredging at public boat ramps in the state’s two major waterways.

The program will also result in proactive dredging before the peak boating season at selected boat ramps to provide better access to locals and visitors.

Currently dredging is undertaken by individual asset managers at boat ramps and involves specialist equipment removing sediment, which can be expensive and cause delays.

Better Boating Victoria (BBV) is now progressing plans for environmental approvals and permits to develop the dredging program, with 22 boat ramps already identified for dredging, 16 of which are in Port Phillip.

The approvals and tender document for the program are expected to be finalised by the end of the year and available to the public in 2023.

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Quotes attributable to Minister for Fishing and Boating Sonya Kilkenny

“This coordinated dredging program is all about boosting boating access for locals and visitors to the Port Philip and Western Port areas.”

“The program will provide a more targeted and timely approach to manage maintenance dredging – meaning the state’s busiest ramps can be dredged before the start of the busy boating season so people can still head out on the water during the holidays and long weekends with family, friends and loved ones.”