Better Boating Victoria, in partnership with the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) and the Lang Lang Foreshore Committee of Management have progressed plans for the future upgrade of the Lang Lang Point boat ramp.
The Lang Lang boat ramp is located approximately an hour south-east of Melbourne on the shores of Western Port. The existing facility comprises a single lane concrete boat ramp which is in poor condition. It is a fair weather only ramp with a modest, unmarked gravel car park and a small fish cleaning table.
Key features of the upgrade will include
A contract has been awarded to Simpsons Construction Co Pty Ltd with construction commencing February 2025. Project completion is targeting late June 2025.
What to expect during construction
The additional ramp and new jetty at Lang Lang Boat Ramp will take approximately five months to complete. During this time, more vehicles, trucks and machinery will be seen on Jetty Lane, and a portion of the boat ramp car park will be used as a construction compound.
Ramp access constraints
During the construction phase, the existing concrete ramp will remain open as far as practical. Closures will occur when the base of the new causeway is laid and while maintenance to the existing ramp is carried out. Ramp closure is expected to impact approximately five (non-consecutive) weeks of the five-month construction period.
Beach Fishing and kayaking
The beach adjacent the caravan and carpark will remain open, using alternative beach access points. Construction zones will be limited to the ramp area.
Getting to the caravan park
There will be no limitations accessing the Lang Lang Foreshore Caravan Park. Visitors will be made aware of the current works and the implications to beach access boating and fishing during their stay.
An earlier version of the Lang Lang upgrade included plans to formalise the adjacent carpark. Due to increased construction and material costs, the replacement of the ramp has been prioritised. The informal, gravel carpark will remain as is with slight regrading to allow for a smooth transition to the new ramp.
The key features of the proposed upgrade are expected to increase the speed of vessel launching and retrieval by constructing a new and improved boat ramp and jetty. After construction, there will be two available ramp lanes at Lang Lang.
Why is Lang Lang Ramp being upgraded?
The upgrade to the Lang Lang boat ramp was identified as an action in the 2021-22 Victorian Recreational Boating Strategy Action Plan.
The current boat ramp is shallow in grade and nearing the end of its design life.
The proposed upgrade is expected to improve the functionality of the facility by providing an improved launching facility with jetty access and a steeper gradient boat ramp that is DDA accessible.
What does the project involve?
The project involves an upgrade of the Lang Lang ramp including constructing a new single-lane boat ramp and installation of a jetty,
What’s happened already?
Detailed designs have been finalised and have been developed in consultation with the facility manager, Parks Victoria, DEECA and boating & community stakeholders.
Key environmental permits and town planning approval has been gained.
Who is managing this project?
Better Boating Victoria has delivered the detailed design and approval stage of this project in consultation with the facility manager, the Lang Lang Foreshore Committee of Management.
BBV has been working in collaboration with DEECA over the course of the year to bring the project to a construction ready point. DEECA will now take over the project management for the construction phase.
How will the upgrade improve functionality of the ramp?
To address the condition and deficiencies of the existing facility the design will include:
Why has the design changed since the concept phase?
During the concept development the design has made a number of changes to adapt to construction material costs. The final plan will provide dual lane access to boaters with a fixed jetty and a steep ramp. This will be a big improvement to existing facilities.
Will a jetty be provided in the new design?
Yes, a jetty structure will be provided to hold 2-4 vessels depending on size.
Will I be able to launch my vessel at low tide?
No. Providing low tide access at Lang Lang is not feasible due to the high tidal range and very flat sea bed which becomes exposed at low tide.
How many boats can launch at once?
The facility will allow for the launching and retrieval of 2 vessels at any one time. The existing ramp will be retained for boat users and kayakers whilst the new boat ramp will be built beside it to allow dual access.
Will the cultural and environmental values be protected?
Yes – full ecological assessments have occurred to ensure minimal harm on the natural environment whereas detailed cultural heritage due-diligence have been completed.
Where can I launch my kayak from?
The existing boat ramp will be retained and accessible for kayakers as it is currently used.
Will there be any loss of native vegetation?
There is no anticipated loss to native vegetation.
How much will the upgrade cost?
The cost of the upgrade will be $1.8 million.
Will there be disabled parking?
There are no proposed plans to upgrade the existing informal parking area, however DDA access has been considered along the jetty and through the provision of a port for a Hansa C Crane disability hoist.
What’s happening to the fish cleaning table?
The fish cleaning fable will be retained as part of the upgrade. Opportunities for upgrading the table will be explored in consultation with the Victorian Fisheries Authority.
Will the greenspace, play area and pavilion be impacted?
No. The greenspace around the play area and pavilion will not be impacted by the upgraded facility.
Will pedestrians be able to access the beach?
Yes. There will be dedicated pedestrian access to the beach from the boat ramp and carpark.
Will the jetties be covered by water at high tide?
No. As the ramp cannot be used a low tides the jetty heights will be set for the higher tides. The jetty height will be levelled to consider high tides and sea level rise. Ladders will be included to assist those using the ramp at mid-tides.
How many vessels can tie up to the jetty?
Up to 4 vessels, depending on size of the vessel.