As part of the Victorian Government’s investment into making it easier to get out on the water, St Leonards boat ramp has been identified for future upgrades.
Final concept designs have been released and will be progressed to detailed designs. Click here to view the final designs.
Click here to view a summary of consultation feedback.
The St Leonards boat ramp is a 4-lane ramp located in the southern part of Port Phillip on the Bellarine Peninsula. The boat launching facility includes a long central jetty with short ‘T’ piece at the end, two smaller finger jetties on the northern and southern sides, dedicated car/trailer parks, toilets, fish cleaning table and an overflow carpark across the road. This facility is managed by Bellarine Bayside Committee of Management.
St Leonards is one of the most popular ramps on the Bellarine Peninsula. It has been identified for a future upgrade due to increasing demand and the age of the facility.
Consultation with boaters and the local community in 2022 highlighted the major issues with ramp being the impact of wind driven waves on the ramp which make launching and retrieval problematic for boat operators.
Other issues raised included limited parking and some difficulty accessing vessels berthed alongside the aging timber jetty.
Based on the outcomes of the initial consultation, a draft concept plan was prepared in consultation with other government agencies for public consultation which featured provision of waterside upgrades to address the impact of waves on the ramp and a seasonal overflow car park to alleviate car parking and traffic congestion during the peak summer period.
In December 2022, Better Boating Victoria released the draft concept plan for public consultation, supported by an on-line survey, which received 286 responses.
The majority of respondents supported the proposed waterside upgrades but didn’t overwhelmingly support the proposed seasonal carpark upgrade options.
Some respondents requested provision of a safe harbour or rock wall to address the impact of waves on the ramp. However, engineers have advised this is not a feasible option for environmental and amenity reasons at St Leonards.
A significant number of responses were also received opposing the overflow cark as it would require the removal of a number of mature cypress trees to accommodate the car park. The mature trees are over 80 years old and near their end of life.
Following the analysis and consideration of feedback received through the public consultation process a final concept layout has been developed by Better Boating Victoria.
The final concept layout features provision of wave screens along the central jetty extending seawards as well as an extended ‘T’ on the end that will also incorporate wave screens to provide shelter from onshore wind and waves.
Some minor changes are proposed to the existing carpark layout which are expected to assist with launching and retrieving. However, an overflow car park will not be progressed.
Click here to view the final concept designs.
Click here to view the previous design.
Click here to view a wave simulation.
Better Boating Victoria and Bellarine Bayside Foreshore Committee of Management will progress detailed designs and approvals to facilitate future construction. Construction will be subject to approvals.
Click here to view the new concept, finalised in February 2023.
Click here to view the previous concept.
Why is the St Leonards boat ramp getting an upgrade?
St Leonards is one of the most popular ramps on the Bellarine Peninsula. It has been identified for a future upgrade due to increasing demand and the age of the facility.
What’s happened already?
Civil and maritime engineers were engaged to undertake concept and detailed design in 2022. Better Boating Victoria held an online survey to better understand the current issues with using St Leonards ramp and what was valued as part of future improvements.
Based on the outcomes of the survey and other consultation with management agencies, a draft concept plan was prepared for public consultation.
In December 2022, Better Boating Victoria released the draft concept, supported by an on-line survey, which received 286 responses. Majority supported the proposed waterside upgrades but didn’t overwhelmingly support the proposed seasonal carpark upgrade options.
Better Boating Victoria have considered the feedback received and finalised the concept layout for the future upgrade.
What are the key features of the proposed upgrade?
The final concept layout features provision of wave screens along the central jetty extending seawards as well as an extended ‘T’ on the end that will also incorporate wave screens to provide shelter from onshore wind and waves.
Some minor changes are proposed to the existing carpark layout which are expected to assist with launching and retrieving. However, an overflow car park will not be progressed.
What is being done to reduce the impacts of waves?
The provision of wave screens along the central jetty and the extended ‘T’ on the end will provide shelter from onshore wind and waves, under most conditions.
Customised wave screens specifically tuned to the waves have been used effectively around Australia and provide an effective way of managing wind driven waves whilst also respecting the natural coastal processes and sand movement along the coast.
Why isn’t a break wall or enclosed harbour being considered?
A break wall or harbour would have significant impacts on sand transport along this stretch of coastline likely leading to significant erosion along the shore elsewhere. A break wall or harbour would also have a significant impact on the visual amenity of the area. It is therefore not a feasible option at St Leonards.
Will there be any lanes added to the ramp?
No new lanes are being proposed at this time. The ramp is currently serviced by four lanes and consultation earlier in the project confirmed no additional lanes were deemed necessary.
Will there be any changes or upgrades to the jetty?
Yes, the main jetty extending seaward will be upgraded and the ‘T’ on the end of the jetty will be extended out further on both sides.
Detailed design stages will inform the height of the jetty to ensure that it isn’t too high for boaters to access vessels.
Fenders will also be included on the new jetty to protect boats which are temporarily moored alongside. Options for improved access will also be considered, such as a low landing option.
Why aren’t floating pontoons being considered?
The wave climate at this ramp isn’t suitable for floating pontoons which would be quickly damaged or dislodged by the wind-driven waves along this stretch of coastline.
Will I be able to continue to fish from the end of the jetty?
Land based fishers will be able to continue to fish from the end of the jetty. However, the primary function of the jetty is to support access to vessels. Therefore, fishers are advised give way to vessels.
Are there plans to increase the number of car and trailer parks?
There are no plans to extend the existing car park.
Are there any plans to remove the fish cleaning table?
No. There are currently no plans to remove the fish cleaning table.
Are there any plans to remove the large cypress trees along this section of the foreshore?
No. Following public consultation, there are no plans to remove any of the large cypress trees as part of the proposed upgrade.
Will the cultural and environmental values be protected?
Better Boating Victoria is actively engaging with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation. Better Boating Victoria and Bellarine Bayside Foreshore Committee of Management will undertake a cultural heritage due diligence assessment and will ensure the cultural values of this area are protected and respected as required.
A Marine and Coastal Act consent application will also be developed which will outline how the coastal and environmental values of this area will be maintained.
What’s the future of the overflow carpark in St Leonards Lake Reserve adjacent to the boat ramp?
The City of Greater Geelong’s St Leonards Lake and Charles McCarthy Reserve Masterplan incorporates provision for overflow car parking within the reserve. There are no plans to review the Masterplan or the provision of overflow car parking within the reserve.
I’m not a boater but I regularly walk/ride along the along this section of coastline. What impact will the proposed upgrade have on me?
Very little. The coastal trail which runs along this section of coastline and through the boat ramp facility will be maintained enabling unrestricted access for pedestrians. Some minor alterations may be made to the crossover such as provision of zebra crossings at the boat ramp to ensure boaters give way to pedestrians using the trail.
What are the next steps and when will construction begin?
Better Boating Victoria and Bellarine Bayside Foreshore Committee of Management will progress detailed designs and approvals to facilitate future construction. Construction will be subject to approvals.
How can I keep up to date with updates on this project?
Updates will be provided on the Better Boating Victoria website: www.betterboating.vic.gov.au