The Tankerton Boat Ramp is being upgraded to make it safer for recreational boaters.
The Tankerton Boat Ramp, located on French Island, is being improved to support greater use. The upgrade is thanks to the Victorian Government’s Better Boating Fund, which reinvests recreational licence and registration fees into projects and programs across the state.
Ramp upgrades at Tankerton include reshaping the rock causeway which will be covered with concrete blocks, creating a better, more wave resilient surface for vessels to launch from.
The old ramp has been demolished and new, pre-fabricated concrete panels have been installed.
The western and northern launching ramps are now complete, with the remainder of the project to focus on protecting the batters of the ramp groyne.
Work is expected to be complete in coming weeks.
Construction commenced in December 2024 and the project is expected to conclude in April 2025. During this time, machinery will be on site to work on the ramp during low tides.
Works will progress from the seaward end of the ramp towards the shore.
During construction, only the high tide ramp on the southern approach will be available for boaters.
What’s happened so far
A team comprising of specialist maritime and coastal engineers were engaged to create the concept and detailed designs for the Tankerton boat ramp upgrade.
A concept design was created in early 2023. This, as well as subsequent designs was shared through the French Island Community Association (FICA) and with local stakeholders.
Site investigations including site feature & bathymetric surveys, geotechnical investigation, marine ecological and coastal processes studies were completed to guide the design process and ensure there is no impact to the surrounding environment.
What’s happening right now?
Contractors Maw Civil Marine (MCM) have been engaged to complete the construction of the project.
The project aims to provide the following: