As part of the Victorian Government’s ongoing investment to make it cheaper and easier to get out on the water, the Tooradin boat ramp will be upgraded.
Tooradin 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.
Upgrades will include replacement of the concrete ramp with three new lanes extending deeper into the water, longer pontoons to increase the ramp’s capacity and improved access roads.
The project is currently out to tender, with construction expected in late spring 2025. You can view the design here.
The ramp is predominantly used by recreational fishers with some other boaters also utilising the facility. Like many others around Western Port, the ramp is subject to a large tidal range and is most suitable to launching and retrieval at higher tides.
Increasing demand combined with deteriorating condition of the ramp and its supporting infrastructure have seen the facility prioritised for upgrading.
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.
All permits and approvals and now been gained. Tenders have been released and construction is anticipated to begin in late spring 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 and capacity.
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 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 ageing 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.
You can view the design here.
Will there be any lanes added to the ramp?
The ramp will remain as a 3-lane facility, however the lanes will extend into deeper water 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.
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.