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.
In August 2022, we asked what you’d like to see as part of a wider upgrade to the Tooradin Boat Ramp. You mentioned existing issues such as insufficient pontoon space, lack of parking on busy days and a short ramp are issues that need addressing.
Our design team prepared an initial concept which was shared with you in March 2023. We received supportive feedback on the concept with some valuable input on what to improve on.
The final concept has been prepared and proposes to achieve the following:
We’ll work with the design engineers to progress the designs over the coming months, including commencement of technical and environmental investigations such as Geotechnical investigations and ecological surveys to aid the designs and approvals process.
In July and August 2022 recreational boaters, fishers and members of the broader community were invited to complete a survey to enable us to better understand the issues and concerns that need to be considered.
Better Boating Victoria heard from 64 respondents, who told us Tooradin needed work to be more functional.
We consulted again with boaters in early 2023 to help inform the final concept. You can read the consultation report card here.
BBV appointed experienced coastal and civil engineers from Advisian (Worley) to develop a concept plan and detailed design for the Tooradin facility.
Initial meetings were held with key management agencies including City of Casey, DELWP, Parks Victoria, Victorian Fisheries Authority, the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation and Tooradin Foreshore Committee of Management.
Recreational boaters, fishers and members of the broader community were invited to complete an online survey to better understand the issues and concerns that need to be considered in the upgrade plans.
After an initial concept was developed another round of public consultation informed the final concept. You can view that here.
Where necessary the pontoons will be replaced and lengthened to enable more on water berthing during launch and retrieval.
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 concept also proposes widening of the entry to the boating facility from one lane to two lanes, to help ease congestion and improve the flow of traffic.
Public consultation was held on the concept design until Wednesday, April 5.
The design team at Advisian will prepare detailed designs following community feedback. These designs will be presented to Better Boating Victoria, the Tooradin Foreshore Committee of Management and the project steering group for final endorsement.
Tendering for construction will begin after the detailed design process has been completed and al necessary permits and approvals have been obtained.
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?
Experienced civil and maritime engineers Advisian were engaged to deliver concept and detailed design for the future upgrade earlier in 2022.
Initial meetings were held with key management agencies including City of Casey, DEECA, Parks Victoria, Victorian Fisheries Authority, the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation and Tooradin Foreshore Committee of Management.
Better Boating Victoria held an online survey to better understand what boaters and broader community thought of the Tooradin boat ramp, the problems they had using it and what they valued as part of the precinct. The survey received 64 responses which have been summarised in the survey report card.
Based on the outcomes of the survey and the known social, cultural and environmental values of the area Advisian have developed a concept plan for the proposed future upgrade of the facility which aims to improve the functionality of the ramp and surrounding infrastructure.
What are the key features of the proposed upgrade?
The concept features resurfacing and extending the ramp along with some additional dredging which will enable all tide access.
Where necessary the pontoons will be replaced and lengthened to enable more on water berthing during launch and retrieval.
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 concept also proposes widening of the entry to the boating facility from one lane to two lanes, 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 all tide access
Will there be any changes or upgrades to the pontoons?
Where necessary 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, 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 access at all tides, 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?
As part of the project Better Boating Victoria will undertake a cultural heritage due diligence assessment and may develop a cultural heritage management plan to ensure the cultural values of this area are protected and respected.
BBV is actively engaging with the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation on the proposed upgrade as it proceeds.
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.
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.
Will the community get to view and provide input on the proposed designs?
Yes, boat ramp users and members of the wider community have had two opportunities to have their say on the project and inform the plans.
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.