Boaters will now find it easier to head out on the water, thanks to the completion of works to upgrade the North Arm Boat Ramp on Bullock Island in Lakes Entrance (Victoria).
The upgrade has seen a full replacement of the boat ramp and concrete apron, construction of new jetties, a new floating pontoon installed on the western side of the ramp and a fixed jetty placed on the ramp’s eastern side.
The existing fishing gantry and weigh station has also been moved closer to the water on the new fixed jetty, making access easier for game fishers coming back to the ramp with a big swordfish landed offshore. Coastal protection works were also carried out.
Lakes Entrance is one of the state’s most iconic boating destinations, and the upgraded ramp means boaters will now have better access to the popular Gippsland Lakes and Bass Strait.
The $677,000 project has been funded through the Andrews Labor Government’s $47.2 million investment to improve recreational boating across the state, the Australian Government’s $3.47 million Recreational Fishing and Camping Facilities grants program and by East Gippsland Shire Council (EGSC).
Nearby, designs are being finalised to improve the Apex Park boat ramp and facilities will be redeveloped at Metung’s Shaving Point ramp as part of the Structural Maintenance Grants Program.
It complements work being done by the Victorian Fisheries Authority to return the lakes to a recreational fishing mecca through the Gippsland Lakes Recreational Fishery Plan – and includes the removal of commercial netting.
Minister for Fishing and Boating Sonya Kilkenny said “It’s great to see these works complete on the North Arm Boat Ramp upgrade – which will now make it a whole lot easier and safer for boaters to get out on the water.”
“Lakes Entrance is a popular go-to boating destination – so this upgrade will go a long way in benefiting the community – as well as attracting more visitors to the region.”
Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said “This upgrade will benefit the entire boating community with safer and better access – as well as the many families that flock to Lakes Entrance to head out on the water.”
