As part of the Victorian Government’s ongoing investment to make it cheaper and easier to get out on the water, Tooradin has been identified for boating upgrades.
The Tooradin boat ramp is an important part of the Western Port boat ramp network and comprises a three-lane concrete ramp with two floating pontoons, fish cleaning facilities, parking, and toilets.
The ramp is predominantly used by recreational fishers with some other recreational boaters also utilising the facility. Boaters use the ramp year-round with usage increasing significantly from spring through to early autumn.
Increasing demand combined with deteriorating condition of the ramp and its supporting infrastructure have seen the facility prioritised for upgrading.
The final concept for the Tooradin Boat Ramp has been prepared. Click here to view the design.
What’s happened so far:
Better Boating Victoria has worked in collaboration with the Tooradin Foreshore Committee of Management and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action to develop designs for the upgrade of the Tooradin Boat Ramp.
Final permits and approvals are expected by the end of 2024 with construction anticipated to commence mid-2025.
What will the upgrade include?
The upgrade will consist of a complete renewal of the existing three lane ramp and a replacement and extension of the pontoons to accommodate more vessel berthing, increasing launch and retrieval efficiency.
The single lane entrance to the facility will be widened to accommodate dual lanes, improving traffic flow and safety.
Why is the Tooradin boat ramp getting an upgrade?
The Tooradin boat ramp is an important part of the Western Port boat ramp network and comprises a three-lane concrete boat ramp with two floating pontoons, fish cleaning facilities, parking, and toilets.
The ramp is predominantly used by recreational fishers with a small number of other recreational boaters also utilising the facility. Local boaters use the ramp year-round with usage increase significantly from Spring through to early Autumn.
Increasing demand combined with deteriorating condition of the ramp and supporting infrastructure have seen the facility prioritised for upgrading.
What’s happened already?
The final design package is now complete and final permits and approvals are expected to be gained in late 2024. A tender process will occur in early 2025 with construction anticipated to commence mid-2025. Experienced civil and maritime engineers Worley were engaged to deliver concept and detailed design for the future upgrade earlier in 2022.
The final design has been completed with the input of key stakeholders including City of Casey, DEECA, Parks Victoria, Victorian Fisheries Authority, the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation and Tooradin Foreshore Committee of Management.
What are the key features of the proposed upgrade?
The upgraded facility will include a new extended ramp along with some additional dredging allowing for a wider launch and retrieval window.
The aging pontoons will be replaced and extended to enable more on water berthing during launch and retrieval.
The entrance lane to the facility will be widened from one lane to two, to help ease congestion and improve the flow of traffic.
Will there be any lanes added to the ramp?
The ramp will remain as a 3-lane facility, however the lanes will be extended to improve the launch and retrieval window.
Will there be any changes or upgrades to the pontoons?
The pontoons will be replaced and lengthened to enable more on water berthing during launch and retrieval.
What sized boats will be able to use this facility?
While the facility will generally cater for small to medium vessels, the design will enable boats up to 8 metres in length to launch from this site. Car and boat trailer parks have been designed according to Australian Standards and the Victorian Boating Facility Maintenance and Design Guidelines.
Are there plans to increase the number of car and trailer parks?
Yes, pending available funding formal car and trailer spaces will also increase by 50% with provision of an additional row of angled parking along the northern side of the carpark.
The Tooradin ramp can be difficult to use at lower tides, is anything being done to address this?
Yes, the concept features an extension of the existing ramp to allow for greater a greater access window , as well as increasing the length of the existing pontoons to cater for the longer ramp.
What’s being done to address the single lane entry/exit at the facility?
The single lane entry/exit will be widened into two lanes to help ease congestion and improve the flow of traffic.
Will the cultural and environmental values be protected?
BBV has worked with the Bunurong Aboriginal Land Council and a Cultural Heritage Management Plan has been approved to ensure the cultural values of this area are protected and respected. Further investigations into European Heritage in the area were undertaken to ensure no impact from construction of the new facility.
A Marine and Coastal Act Consent has been approved by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action which ensures that coastal and environmental values of the area are maintained.
Is there any dredging proposed as part of the project?
Yes, some minor dredging works are proposed for the toe of the ramp and in the channel ensure there is a safe launching.
Dredging and the management of the dredge spoil will only be undertaken with the appropriate permits and approvals from the relevant government agencies.
Are there any plans to remove the fish cleaning table?
No. There are no plans to remove the fish cleaning table.
I’m not a boater but I regularly use this section of coastline. What impact will the proposed upgrade have on me?
Very little. The walking paths which run along Sawtell’s Inlet 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.
While not included in this upgrade, there is provision for future overflow single car parking to address single vehicles parking in car/trailer spaces during busy periods.
How can I keep up to date with updates on this project?
Monthly updates will be provided on the Better Boating Victoria website once construction begins.