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Making boating more accessible in Lakes Entrance

A popular boating destination in Lakes Entrance will soon be upgraded to make it safer and more accessible for boaters, fishers and visitors – thanks to the Victorian Government.

View original release here.

Minister for Fishing and Boating Melissa Horne today visited the Apex Park boat ramp, which will be improved to provide better access to boaters of all abilities.

The upgrade comes as part of the $33 million Better Boating Fund, with designs now being finalised. It includes redeveloping the gangway and floating pontoons on the boat ramp’s eastern jetty and the installation of boat ramp signage.

Better Boating Victoria (BBV) is working with East Gippsland Shire Council and Gippsland Ports to progress the designs.

Nearby, works continue to upgrade the North Arm Boat Ramp, which – when complete – will provide boaters with better access to the Gippsland Lakes and Bass Strait.

Construction is being managed by Council and has already seen the ramp resurfaced, a new floating pontoon installed, and coastal protection works carried out. The eastern jetty improvements are expected to soon be complete, along with the relocation of the fishing gantry.

Making boating more accessible for all was identified as a priority for investment through the Victorian Recreational Boating Strategy. The strategy was developed through extensive consultation with boaters from across the state and guided by a Ministerial Roundtable of industry leaders.

An accessible pontoon was also installed last year at Pier Road in Mordialloc to increase access for people of all abilities to a day on the water in Port Phillip. Similar facilities are in the works at Hastings, with provisions for future accessible pontoons included in designs for upgrades at Werribee South and Apollo Bay.

More information about the current network of accessible boating facilities can be found online at: www.betterboating.vic.gov.au

Quote attributable to Minister for Fishing and Boating Melissa Horne

“Lakes Entrance is an iconic boating location, and it’s great to see designs now being finalised to upgrade the Apex Park boat ramp, which will benefit the entire community with safer and better access once complete.”

Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Jane Garrett

“Upgrading the Apex Park boat ramp will benefit the entire community with safer and better access – as well as attract more boaters, fishers and visitors to Lakes Entrance.”

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